P0443: Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit

What does P0443 mean?

The purge valve opens to let stored fuel vapor flow from the charcoal canister into the engine to be burned. The computer controls it and monitors the circuit. P0443 is an electrical code: the valve circuit is open, shorted or not responding as commanded.

Both references list the purge valve itself and its wiring or connector as the common causes.

Common symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Usually no noticeable symptoms
• Fuel odor in some cases
• Rough idle or slightly lower fuel economy in some cases

Common causes

The causes below are the ones commonly seen with P0443. The actual cause can vary by vehicle, engine and mileage, so treat this list as a starting point, not a diagnosis.

• A faulty purge control valve (solenoid), for example an internal open or short
• Open or shorted wiring between the computer and the valve
• A corroded or loose purge valve connector

What to check with a scanner

• Check the fuel cap first: it should be present, clean, undamaged and tightened until it clicks.
• Read freeze frame and note fuel level and engine temperature. Many EVAP tests only run in a narrow fuel level and temperature window.
• Check the readiness screen. The EVAP monitor must run again after a repair before the code can stay away.
• Note related EVAP codes such as P0440, P0442, P0455 or P0456, which help narrow the area.

How to read and clear P0443 with OBD Master Pro

1. Plug in your adapter. Connect a generic ELM327 (or ELM329) OBD2 adapter to the diagnostic port, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi and USB OTG adapters are supported.
2. Switch the ignition on. Turn the key to ON or start the engine, depending on your car.
3. Connect in OBD Master Pro. Open the app, go to Connection and pick your adapter. Classic Bluetooth adapters connect from the Bluetooth tab, Bluetooth LE adapters from the BLE tab with no pairing needed. Use the generic OBD2 / EOBD profile or your car's brand profile.
4. Read the codes. Open the fault codes screen to see stored, pending and permanent codes. Confirm P0443 is listed and note any other codes, since they often explain the cause.
5. Check the details. Look at freeze frame data, Live data and, where your car supports it, Mode 06 test results (see the checks above).
6. Fix, then clear. After the repair, clear the codes to turn off the check engine light. Clearing also resets the emissions readiness monitors, so drive normally and check the readiness screen before any inspection. Permanent codes cannot be erased with a scan tool; they clear on their own once the car's self test passes.

Tip: you can also look up P0443 and other codes in the app's DTC search without connecting to a car. If your adapter will not connect, use Connection > Share connection log and email it to support. Many cheap ELM327 clones only handle basic engine OBD2, which is all you need for P0443.

When to see a mechanic

Get professional help if any of these apply:

• You smell fuel (stop and get it checked)
• The code returns after the cap has been checked or replaced
• A smoke test is needed to find a leak
• The car is due for an emissions inspection soon

If you are unsure, a qualified technician can confirm the cause with tests such as smoke testing, pressure testing or scope readings. Clearing a code does not repair the fault.

Related trouble codes

See all OBD2 trouble code guides

Related guides

Check engine light on: what to do · How to read an OBD2 code (P, B, C, U) · Stored, pending and permanent codes and freeze frame · OBD2 readiness monitors explained · OBD2 glossary · OBD2 by car brand