GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2007 🢒 AURA 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls and Fuel - 3.5L 🢒 DTC P0446

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0446: Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Vent System Performance

Circuit/System Description

This DTC tests the evaporative emission (EVAP) system for a restricted or blocked EVAP vent path. The control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve Open and the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve Closed. This allows vacuum to be applied to the EVAP system. Once a calibrated vacuum level has been reached, the control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve Closed and the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve Open. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor for a decrease in vacuum. If the vacuum does not decrease to near 0 inch H2O in a calibrated time, this DTC sets.

FTP Sensor Signal Voltage

Fuel Tank Pressure

Low, Approximately 1.5 V or less

Positive Pressure

High, Approximately 1.5 V or more

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • Before the engine control module (ECM) can report DTC P0446 failed, DTCs P0442 and P0496 must run and pass.
    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0128, P0502, P1106, P1107, P1111, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1125, P1516, P2101, P2108, P2119, P2120, P2125, P2138 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 75 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up ECT and IAT are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 129 km/h (80 mph).
    • DTC P0446 runs once per trip when the above conditions have been met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The FTP sensor is more than 8 inches H2O vacuum for 2 seconds during the 13 minute test.
        OR
        The FTP is less than -2.5 inches H2O or more than +5 inches H2O for 3 seconds after a cold start ignition ON.
    • The fuel tank vacuum is greater than a calibrated amount for a calibrated period of time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0446 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0446 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids
    • An intermittent condition could be caused by a damaged EVAP vent housing, a temporary blockage at the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve inlet, or a pinched vent hose. A blockage in the vent system will also cause a poor fuel fill problem.
    • An EVAP canister, vent hose, or vent solenoid valve that has restricted flow may cause this DTC to set. Using a purge solenoid command with a scan tool will allow vacuum to be applied to the system instead of pressure. With the engine running, the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve open, and the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve commanded to 100 percent, the fuel tank vacuum should not increase to more than 5 inches H2O.
    • An EVAP canister filter that is restricted can cause this DTC to set. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .
    • Disconnecting one component at a time while the EVAP system is under flow will help to pinpoint a restriction in the system.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Special Tools Required

J 41413-200 (J 41413-100) Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST)

Circuit/System Verification

With the engine running, the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve open, and the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve commanded to 100 percent, the fuel tank vacuum should not increase to more than 8 inches H2O.

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Inspect the EVAP vent system for a restriction.
  2. Test the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor for an open or for high resistance.
  3. Start the engine with the J 41413-200 (J 41413-100) connected to the fuel filler neck.
  4. Allow the engine to idle.
  5. Use the Purge/Seal function to seal the system with a scan tool.
  6. Command the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve to 30 percent.
  7. Observe the vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 (J 41413-100) and the FTP parameter on the scan tool.
  8. Allow the vacuum to increase on the gage of the J 41413-200 (J 41413-100) until it reaches approximately 16 inches H2O, or until the vacuum reached the abort limit on the scan tool.
    9. ⇒If the difference between the FTP parameter on a scan tool and the vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 (J 41413-100) was more than 1 inch, replace the FTP sensor.
    ⇒If the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter on a scan tool display was less than 3.2 volts, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions
    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module (ECM) replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

Important: Larger volume fuel tanks and/or those with lower fuel levels may require several minutes for the floating indicator to stabilize.

With the engine running, the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve open and the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve commanded to 100 percent, the fuel tank vacuum should not increase to more than 8 inches H2O.