Code
P1446
NISSAN
P — Powertrain
EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Closed
Views:
UK: 26
EN: 30
RU: 40
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Stuck or mechanically seized canister vent control valve (vent solenoid)
- Open or shorted wiring to the vent valve (connector corrosion, broken wire)
- Faulty vent valve ground or power circuit (blown fuse, poor PCM ground)
- Faulty PCM or EVAP control circuit
- Debris or contamination blocking the vent path or valve
- Incorrect installation or damaged vacuum/vent hoses
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light illuminated
- Possible failed emissions test
- Fuel odor near vehicle or around the charcoal canister
- Difficulty refueling (fuel nozzle clicks off frequently) or EVAP pressure anomalies
- Generally no drivability issues (engine runs normally) in many cases
What to check
- Read freeze frame and readiness status with a scan tool; confirm P1446 is current
- Visual inspection of vent valve, connector, wiring harness and nearby components for damage or corrosion
- Check EVAP fuse(s) and PCM power/ground circuits
- Backprobe vent valve connector and verify control voltage/ground while commanding the valve with a scan tool
- Measure coil resistance of the vent valve with an ohmmeter
- Smoke test EVAP system to find restrictions, blockages or leaks around the vent path
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage to vent control valve: ~12 V (battery) when commanded (varies by vehicle); should be near battery voltage when energized
- Control signal: PCM switches ground or +12V depending on design; check with backprobe while commanding
- Typical vent solenoid coil resistance: commonly ~20–40 ohms (manufacturer specific; measure at ambient temperature)
- Expected behavior: valve should change state (open/close) when commanded by scan tool; continuity present across coil when intact
- No voltage or constant closed signal when PCM commands open indicates wiring/valve fault
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify the code: Use a scan tool to confirm P1446 is stored and note freeze frame data and related EVAP codes.
- Visual inspection: Check vent valve, vacuum/vent hoses, charcoal canister area and wiring for damage or contamination.
- Check fuses/grounds: Inspect EVAP-related fuses and PCM grounds; repair any corrosion or open circuits.
- Resistance test: Unplug vent valve and measure coil resistance. Compare to expected range in service manual.
- Command test: Backprobe valve connector and command vent valve with a scan tool. Observe control voltage and whether valve changes state.
- Apply bench power: If safe, remove valve and apply appropriate battery voltage to verify mechanical operation (observe movement/sound).
- Wiring check: If valve is mechanically good but not responding, perform continuity and short-to-ground/short-to-voltage checks on the harness between the valve and PCM.
- Smoke test: Introduce smoke into EVAP system to locate blockages or misroutes preventing valve from venting or opening.
- PCM check: If wiring and valve are OK but signal is absent/erratic, consider PCM circuit diagnostics per service manual before replacement.
- Repair and retest: Replace faulty valve or repair wiring as needed, clear codes, run readiness/EVAP tests and confirm code does not return.
Likely causes
- Failed/stuck vent control solenoid (most common)
- Corroded/loose electrical connector at vent valve
- Damaged wiring harness from heat/chafing near fuel tank
- Blown EVAP-related fuse or damaged relay
- Obstructed vent line or charcoal canister contamination
Fault status
Status
The PCM detected the EVAP canister vent control valve is closed (or reports a closed state) when a different state was expected during system testing. This indicates a possible stuck valve, wiring fault, or control circuit failure affecting the EVAP venting function.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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