What Happens When a Car's Solenoid Valve Fails?
1 Answers
When the purge valve (charcoal canister solenoid) malfunctions, it prevents the charcoal canister from opening or closing properly. This directly leads to increased fuel consumption. You may hear intermittent "clicking" noises during non-idle conditions, experience hesitation during acceleration when pressing the throttle, and observe unstable idle speeds with poor acceleration - all symptoms of a faulty charcoal canister. Here's additional information: How to diagnose a faulty purge valve: Since the purge valve operates intermittently, you can test it by disconnecting the hose from the valve. Wait for the valve to activate, then partially block the valve with your finger. If you feel continuous suction or no suction at all, this indicates valve failure. A properly functioning purge valve should exhibit intermittent suction. If not, replacement is recommended. Purge valve operation principle: The charcoal canister absorbs fuel vapors. During engine startup, the solenoid valve opens the canister to redirect these vapors into the intake manifold for combustion, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. When faulty, the valve may either remain stuck closed (preventing vapor recirculation) or stuck open (causing excessively rich air-fuel mixture). In the latter case, unburned fuel gets wasted through the exhaust system, significantly increasing fuel consumption.
