P0443 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

What Does Code P0443 Mean?

• P0443 definition: Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction
• Issue Severity: LOW – Continued driving for a short period of time is okay.
• Repair Urgency: Get this fixed within the next month.
• Diagnosis: This trouble code severely impacts the drivability of your vehicle. The most common problems consist of increased engine stalling, rough engine idle, lowered fuel economy, and rattling/knocking noises from the engine. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition can cause severe damage to multiple internal engine components. Use the FIXD Sensor and app to diagnose P0443 yourself, see the most likely fix and cost for this code, access our Mechanic Hotline, and more.

The evaporative control (EVAP) system collects raw fuel escaping from the fuel tank. This information is then communicated to the ECM which regulates the emissions of the vehicle. The P0443 code is set when the ECM detects a malfunction within the purge control valve or a short in the purge valve circuit.

P0443 Causes

• Short in control circuit wiring
• Short in purge valve wiring
• Faulty vent valve solenoid
• Faulty purge valve solenoid
• Faulty ECM

P0443 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light
• Rough engine idle
• Lower fuel economy

*No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases

How Do I Fix Code P0443?

With a P0443 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction related to the EVAP system. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze engine data to properly diagnose a P0443 code.

> Click here to get FIXD for $19.99 for a limited time!

If the sensors are all reading correctly and you’re not comfortable further diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0443?

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0443 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0443

When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0443 code, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

• Gas Cap $20-$60
• EVAP Line $20-$100
• Purge valve: $109-$172

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0443

If you’d like to try to fix code P0443 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Complete diagnosis may require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but for the most part, this diagnosis and repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Beginner

This repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.

Tools/parts needed:

• FIXD

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Scan your vehicle to verify P0443 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.

STEP 2: INSPECT GAS CAP.

Check your gas cap to see if it is loose or damaged. If your gas cap is loose, tighten it and clear the code. Inspect your gas cap for physical damage or deterioration. However, it should be noted that damage to the gas cap or deterioration of its components is not always noticeable. If your gas cap was not loose and you do not see any indications of failure, try replacing the gas cap anyway and clearing the codes. Gas caps are relatively inexpensive and are often the fix for codes related to the EVAP system.

STEP 3: CHECK FREEZE FRAME DATA.

Using FIXD, monitor the fuel tank pressure readings to ensure the fuel tank pressure sensor is properly functioning. The fuel tank pressure sensor provides the primary feedback on engine leaks to the EVAP system of your vehicle.

STEP 4: INSPECT WIRING.

Visually inspect the wiring around the purge valve circuit for damage or disconnection.

STEP 5: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.

If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car’s EVAP system, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.

Common P0443 diagnosis mistakes

Prematurely replacing any component when the issue can be resolved by changing the oil and filter and adjusting the oil level to the correct level per your vehicle’s manufacturers specifications.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0443?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the oxygen sensor system and code P0443, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price. Don’t have a FIXD Sensor yet? Click here to get yours for just $19.99, including a free 14-day trial of FIXD Premium!

Popular Engine Codes po420 code po172 code po0171 code po128 code po300 code po456 code po430 code po442 code po455 code po113 code

Fixed It But The Check Engine Light Is Still On?

Check engine light sometimes need to be reset manually, check out our article:

How to Reset Your Check Engine Light | 4 Ways To Clear It (With or Without a Scanner)