Will the Canister Purge Valve Still Make a Clicking Sound When It's Broken?
2 Answers
The canister purge valve typically produces a clicking sound during normal operation. However, if the valve is faulty, it may stop making this sound. Common symptoms of a malfunctioning canister purge valve include: the component remaining permanently open or closed due to a sealing failure. In such cases, since the electrical components are still functional, the valve may continue to produce the clicking sound. However, if the electrical components fail—such as due to grounding issues in the power supply, problems with the engine control unit, or damage to the valve's electrical parts—the canister purge valve will cease to function and, consequently, will no longer produce any sound. Here’s how to test the canister purge valve: 1. Warm up the car engine to normal operating temperature and let it idle. 2. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the vapor canister and check for vacuum suction. If there is no vacuum suction, the canister purge valve should be closed while the engine is idling. If vacuum suction is present, the valve should be open. 3. Press the accelerator pedal to raise the engine speed to around 2,000 rpm. Check the vacuum hose for suction. If suction is present, the system is functioning correctly. If there is no suction, use a multimeter set to the 20V range to test for voltage at the valve. If the voltage reading is normal, the valve is faulty. If the voltage is abnormal, there may be an issue with the wiring.
I've been driving diesel cars for many years, and every time at idle, I can hear a ticking sound from the engine side—that's the normal working sound of the carbon canister purge solenoid valve. It controls fuel vapor, and if it fails, it may stop making any sound or produce a very strange noise. This is usually because the valve gets stuck or clogged with dust, causing it to malfunction. If it doesn't make any sound, vapor may leak, fuel consumption will skyrocket, and the engine light might come on. I experienced this once last year, and after inspection, replacing the new valve solved the problem. Remember, small issues like this, if not fixed promptly, can lead to bigger failures. I recommend having the mechanic listen carefully during regular maintenance. If you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate—go to a professional shop immediately to avoid the hassle of breaking down on the road. Cars are like people; early detection and treatment of minor issues are key. I also regularly check the air filter to keep it clean and prevent clogging.
