Emissions control: EGR, DPF, catalytic converter and AdBlueGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Monitor
Code P0443: EVAP: purge valve circuit fault
P0443 means: evaporative emission control system (EVAP): purge control valve circuit.[1][2] The ECU sends the EVAP system's purge valve an open and close signal and monitors the circuit's electrical response. If the measured voltage does not match what it commanded, for example an open circuit when it asks to open or a short to earth when it asks to close, it stores P0443.[1]
What code P0443 means
The ECU sends the EVAP system's purge valve an open and close signal and monitors the circuit's electrical response. If the measured voltage does not match what it commanded, for example an open circuit when it asks to open or a short to earth when it asks to close, it stores P0443.[1]
It is a fault in the valve's electrical circuit, not in flow or leaks. When the ECU cannot purge, petrol vapours build up in the carbon canister.[1][3]
It is a generic code and appears with the same description on all brands.[2]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit[1][2]
Causes of P0443
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Faulty purge solenoid valve, with the internal coil open or shorted.[1][3]
- 2Damaged wiring or corroded connector at the valve, which is usually near the intake manifold.[1][3]
- 3Blown fuse or corroded earth in the valve circuit.[1][3]
- 4Control wire shorted to earth, keeping the valve energised, or a loose connector with an intermittent signal.[1]
- 5Failed ECU output transistor, uncommon.[1]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on, normally the only symptom.[1][3]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Smell of petrol, especially after refuelling, if the carbon canister cannot purge.[1][3]Fuel smell: faults that cause it
- Slightly uneven idle in some cases, especially if the valve is stuck open.[1][3]Vibrations: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0443
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Check that the valve connector is properly seated and free of corrosion.[1][3]
- 2Activate the valve with the diagnostic tool: you should hear a click and feel suction when it opens.[1][3]
- 3Measure the coil resistance: very low values indicate a short circuit and infinite, an open coil. Carista gives 20 to 30 ohms as a typical value and AutoDTCs 23 to 26 ohms on Toyota systems; check the figure for your car.[1][3]
- 4Check the supply (fuse and relay) and the continuity of the control wire to the ECU.[1][3]
- 5Replace the valve or repair the wiring, clear the code and check again that the EVAP monitor completes.[3]
Can I keep driving with P0443?
Monitor
The sources see it as an emissions fault with no impact on driving in most conditions; you can keep driving but it should be repaired before the next MOT. CarWiki says it is not noticeable when driving.[1][2][3]
Documented faults related to P0443
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Main relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)Yes, on the first units: Hyundai and Kia recalled 2016–2018 Ioniq and Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids because the main relay that connects the high-voltage battery could come loose, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Clutch hydraulic actuator (HCA): leak or moisture with risk of short circuit and fireYes, this is the most documented hybrid system fault: the hydraulic actuator that engages the combustion engine with the hybrid assembly has had two recalls (2018 for a leak on the Niro and 2025 for moisture in its electronic board on the Niro, Ceed and XCeed PHEV), with a risk of short circuit and fire.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0443?
Yes. According to the sources, normally only the warning light comes on and you may notice slight jerking or a smell of petrol; it should be repaired before the MOT.[1][3]
Is it the same as P0441?
No. P0443 is an electrical fault in the purge valve circuit; P0441 indicates that the purge flow is not correct.[1]
What does it usually cost?
Carista estimates between £80 and £300. It is a general estimate, not a price for Spain.[3]
Is it always the valve?
No: it can also be the wiring, a corroded connector or a fuse. It is checked with the coil resistance and the supply.[1][3]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0443?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[4]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0443 – AutoDTCsAutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- OBD Fehlercode P0443CarWiki.de · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
- P0443: OBD2 diagnostic trouble codeCarista · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish