Purge Solenoid Valve or PSV is a very important part of the evaporation emission system which controls the amount of fuel vapor that is purged from the charcoal canister into the engine.
Before you try to unplug your PSV for cleaning to need to know what it is, its fittings, functionalities, where it is in your car, what things it’s attached with, how you can unplug it, How To Clean Purge Solenoid Valve and plug it back.
The Function Of A Purge Solenoid Valve
The main function of the Purge Solenoid Valve is to open up when the car’s PCM commands it to. It allows the hydrocarbons or fuel vapors that are deposited into your charcoal canister from your fuel tank to be directed back to the engine through the vacuum that’s inside your intake manifold.
Your purge solenoid is usually in the closed position, unlike your vent solenoid that’s usually in the open position. It opens systematically by your PCM when your car is heated up properly in order to purge the charcoal canister of hydrocarbons that have been deposited there through the vapors that come from your fuel tank.
The way your purge solenoid switches on and off is very similar to the way your vent solenoid is switched on and off. It has constant battery voltage from your fuse or junction box supplied to it and the switching is done through a ground wire that comes from your PCM.
So this solenoid is usually in the closed position but when your PCM decides to activate it simply supplies a ground through the ground wire and then activates the solenoid and opens it up.
Sings Of A Damaged Purge Solenoid Valve
The signs of a bad Purge Solenoid Valve are-
- You’ll notice problems with your engine light. Three are some codes regarding the Purge Solenoid Valve that could potentially help you see the signs
- You’re going to have hard times starting your car especially after you fill up your gas tank
- If your Purge Solenoid is stuck open, there’s going to be a vacuum leak that will cause your engine to run rough
- If the pipe that comes after the Purge Solenoid is broken even when the Purge Solenoid Valve is okay it may cause the same problem
When Do You Need To Clean Your Purge Solenoid Valve?
For gasoline engines, this part of the engine is called the Purge Solenoid Valve short PVS, and in diesel engines, this is called an EGR. so now comes the question, when do you need to clean the PSV or how often do you need to do it?
Ideally, this should be cleaned every 100k kilometers. Even if it performs okay you need to check and clean it after completing the mark. It is good to clean it on time before it gets damaged or starts leaking.
Things You Need For Cleaning
- An electronic contact cleaner
- A carburetor cleaner
- A dry cotton rag
- Set of pliers
How To Clean Purge Solenoid Valve
To clean your PSV follow these simple steps-
Steps 1
When it comes to your car, you want to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This includes your purge solenoid valve. This valve is responsible for allowing fresh air into the engine to help with the combustion process.
Over time, this valve can become dirty and clogged, which can lead to problems with your car’s performance. Fortunately, cleaning your purge solenoid valve is a relatively simple process that you can do at home.
Steps 2
To start, locate the purge solenoid valve on your car. This is typically located near the engine, so you may need to open the hood to access it. Once you have located the valve, disconnect the electrical connector. This will prevent any damage to the solenoid while you are cleaning it.
Steps 3
Next, using a small brush, clean any dirt or debris from the valve. Be sure to also clean the area around the valve so that any dirt or debris does not enter the engine when you reconnect the valve.
Steps 4
Once the valve is clean, reconnect the electrical connector and start your car’s engine. The purge solenoid valve is now clean and should be working properly. If you notice any problems with your car’s performance after cleaning the valve, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.
Final Verdict
We have added all kinds of related information regarding PSV with of course detailed steps on How to Clean Purge Solenoid Valve that you can easily understand and apply for your car as all of the details are interconnected with each other. We hope! You have got your answer by ready the whole thing.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What Causes A Purge Valve To Fail?
A purge valve is a vital component of many different types of systems, including those that control the flow of gas or fluid. Purge valves fail when they are no longer able to function properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, damage, or simply age. When a purge valve fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including leaks, system failures, and even explosions.
How Do You Tell If Your Purge Valve Is Messed Up?
A purge valve is an essential component of many different types of systems, including those that are used to control the release of fluids or gases. If the purge valve is not working properly, it can cause the system to malfunction or even fail completely.
There are a few different ways to tell if your purge valve is not working properly. One way is to simply listen to the system as it is running. If you hear any strange noises coming from the purge valve, it is likely not functioning properly.
Another way to tell if the purge valve is not working properly is to check the pressure gauge. If the pressure gauge is reading higher than normal, it is likely that the purge valve is not working properly.
If you suspect that the purge valve is not working properly, it is important to have it checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible. If the purge valve is not repaired or replaced, it can cause serious damage to the system.
Purge Valve Stuck Closed Symptoms
A purge valve that is stuck closed can cause a number of symptoms in your vehicle. The most common symptom is a loss of power while driving. This can be caused by a loss of fuel pressure or an air leak in the fuel system.
Other symptoms include an engine that stalls or hesitates, a check engine light, or a decrease in fuel economy. If you suspect that your purge valve is stuck closed, it is important to have it checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
How To Bypass Purge Valve
In order to bypass the purge valve, you will need to disconnect the vacuum line from the valve. Once the vacuum line is disconnected, you will need to connect a piece of hose to the valve in order to bypass it.