obd2 dtc code

[nfdecastro]

my '03 boxster ck engine lite came on. checked the code and found p0446. is this common, and how can i solve it?

[Wayne 962]

Man, a lot of people having issues with this lately. This is tied to the fuel tank system, and is mainly associated with emissions. It's related to the pressure sensor that sits on the top of the fuel tank and measures changes in pressure as the fuel pump empties the tank. If you have a leak in the system, and are emitting fuel vapors to the atmosphere, it will most likely give this code. Here's a blurb from a site on the Internet:

Evap vent valve has only one purpose. It closes in order to seal the vent so the EVAP system can pressurize and ensure there are no leaks. Evap vent valve is usually supplied Batt. voltage with key on. The ECM's driver controls the ground, and when grounded, activates the valve (closing it). If the ECM detects a short to ground, and open,or a short to battery voltage on the control circuit, P0446 will set. Code also may refer to ECM detecting that EVAP system is unable to achieve or maintain vacuum during test.

P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow

It could be a leaky seal on your gas cap - I would replace the cap first. Or, it could be a bad sensor on the tank (expensive to replace). Or, it could be a bad flapper on the gas tank filler (less likely). I would replace your gas cap with a new one as a good first step.

-Wayne

[nfdecastro]

Could a leaky gas cap seal also cause the engine to crank but not start just after filling up? I dread filling up, because sometimes I have to crank the engine for up to three minutes before it fires up. By then,everyone is staring at me.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by nfdecastro

Could a leaky gas cap seal also cause the engine to crank but not start just after filling up? I dread filling up, because sometimes I have to crank the engine for up to three minutes before it fires up. By then,everyone is staring at me.

Hmm something else is amiss - I would guess your fuel pump. The car should start right away, regardless of whether the gas tank is sealed or not. The pump should run either way. Milt seems to have a similar problem in a thread here: Cranks but no start

-Wayne