What causes fault code P044F?

• Most likely: Short to voltage in the wiring harness for the secondary purge control valve • Likely: Internal electrical fault in the secondary purge control valve (solenoid coil) • Possible: Corroded or damaged connector causing an electrical bridge • Rare: Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) internal driver failure

How do you fix fault code P044F?

STEP 1: Visually inspect the secondary purge valve connector for corrosion or backed-out pins. STEP 2: Measure the internal resistance of the solenoid using a multimeter. Standard values are typically 15-35 Ohms depending on OEM specs. An 'OL' reading indicates an open coil. STEP 3: Check for short to voltage by measuring the signal wire with the ignition ON. If 12V is present on the control side when the ECM command is OFF, investigate a harness short. STEP 4: Use a scan tool to perform a bi-directional 'Active Test' to trigger the valve and verify its operation.

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)Standard EOBD

P044F - Evaporative Emission System Secondary Purge Control Valve Circuit High

Q: What are the symptoms of fault code P044F?

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated • Rough idling or hard starting (if valve is stuck open) • Slightly decreased fuel economy • Failed emissions test

Last updated:1 February 2026

Related:Evaporative Purge Valve, Charcoal Canister, Engine Control Module (ECM), Wiring Harness

System

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)

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Technical Description

P044F is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an abnormally high voltage signal from the secondary evaporative emission (EVAP) purge control valve circuit. The EVAP system traps fuel vapors in a charcoal canister before purging them into the engine intake to be burned. The secondary purge valve provides additional control over this vapor flow. A 'Circuit High' condition typically signifies a short to voltage in the signal/control wire or an internal failure of the solenoid coil that prevents the ECM from successfully pulling the circuit low.

Possible Causes

Short to voltage in the wiring harness for the secondary purge control valve

Internal electrical fault in the secondary purge control valve (solenoid coil)

Corroded or damaged connector causing an electrical bridge

Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) internal driver failure

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated

Rough idling or hard starting (if valve is stuck open)

Slightly decreased fuel economy

Failed emissions test

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P044F - Evaporative Emission System Secondary Purge Control Valve Circuit High

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P044F - Evaporative Emission System Secondary Purge Control Valve Circuit High

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