Difficulty Filling Fuel Tank, MIL/SES Light Illuminated DTC P0446 - Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Vent System Performance (Inspect/Clean EVAP Canister Vent Valve Solenoid and Install Screen)

Some customers may comment that it is difficult to completely fill the fuel tank. They may state that the gas pump nozzle will shut off (without spitback) at ¾ tank of fuel or less and continually click off while trying to fill the tank completely. They may also state that the Service Engine Soon light is on. Technicians may find DTC P0446 set.

The fresh air inlet tube in the canister vent valve solenoid may be blocked or restricted with a spider nest (1), dirt or other debris.

Check for DTCs. If DTC P0446 is set, refer to DTC P0446 in SI for diagnosis. If the diagnostics lead to a restricted or blocked EVAP system, inspect and clean the EVAP canister vent valve solenoid. Then install a fiberglass screen material around the fresh air inlet tube and secure with a zip tie using the steps below.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
2. Remove the EVAP canister vent solenoid from the vehicle. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement in SI.
3. Disassemble the EVAP canister vent solenoid from the air chamber.




3.1.	Pry up on the lock retaining tab (1).

3.2.	Rotate the solenoid (2) clockwise until it stops.

3.3.	Pull the solenoid (2) out from the air chamber (3).




4. Inspect the air chamber (1) assembly for debris.



5. Inspect the solenoid (1) assembly for debris.

Important: DO NOT use liquids or shop air to clean out the vent solenoid. The use of shop air on the solenoid may cause damage to the solenoid spring or the internal diaphragm.

6. Carefully remove the obstruction from the air chamber or solenoid assembly. Shop air may be used on the air chamber portion ONLY .

Important: The screen should not be metal. Use only fiberglass screen material, which is commonly used for window screens.

7. Cut a 102 mm (4 in) by 102 mm (4 in) piece of fiberglass screen (non-metallic).
8. Place the center of the screen over the tube opening and fold the screen towards the canister vent air chamber.



9. Secure the fiberglass screen material around the fresh air inlet tube with a nylon tie strap as shown in the illustration.
10. Install the solenoid to the air chamber and rotate the solenoid counterclockwise until the retaining tab latches.
11. Install the EVAP canister vent solenoid assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement in SI.

The fiberglass screen material and the nylon strap can be purchased locally from a hardware store.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: