P0445
- Powertrain
- Generic (SAE)
- Emissions
Diagnose soon
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted
This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.
The ECU detected a short in the EVAP purge solenoid control circuit. With the valve permanently energized or shorted, the system can either over-purge causing rich running, or stay closed.
A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.
- Safe to drive
- Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
- Urgency
- Diagnose soon
- Will it pass emissions
- No
- Check engine light
- Solid
- Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
- Failed emissions inspection
- Loose-cap warning may appear
Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.
| # | Cause | How often | Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purge valve circuit shorted | Very common | — |
| 2 | Wiring or connector fault | Common | — |
Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.
- EVAP Purge Valve
- Purge Valve Wiring
- Definition
- Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
- Diagnostic guidance
- Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
- Review status
- Awaiting review
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