OBD-II reference

All 9.533 generic OBD-II codes, explained in detail.

Causes, inspection steps and sources — a comprehensive DIY archive. Created and maintained with love for the detail. Good luck and have fun!

Powertrain generic / SAE

P0446

Evaporative Emission Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

A fault in the EVAP vent valve circuit. The vent valve seals the canister against atmosphere during the leak test; without it, the test cannot pull a vacuum and may set false leak codes alongside.

SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP0
Range / number4 / 46

Possible causes

  • Vent valve seized or contaminated by water/dirt high
  • Wiring or connector fault medium

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
  • Failed emissions inspection
  • Loose-cap warning may appear

Inspection / repair

  • Difficulty: easy
  • DIY: possible
  • Estimated cost: 40–250 €
  • Estimated time: 0.3–1.5 h
  • Component: evap vent valve
  • Component: evap vent valve wiring
  • MIL / check engine light
  • emissions-relevant
  • drive cycle required

Sources

References

How to read OBD-II codes

The first letter names the vehicle system, the second digit distinguishes generic from manufacturer-specific, the remaining digits group fault area and number.

PPowertrain: engine, transmission, emissions
BBody: chassis trim, comfort, interior
CChassis: suspension, brakes, steering
UNetwork: CAN, control modules, communication