Repair-It

Codes. Also saw this. Said something like Rusty Wallace Jr Racing Experience.

Apparently it is this: https://racewithrusty.com/

Seems like they do events all over the country but are based in Pawtucket. Which is where I saw them.

It is not fixed. Light came back on this morning.

Curious if it is the same two or maybe just evap. Hope my electronic FSM does 96. It might not go back that far...

Hooray. My FSM does include the 96 RMS. Now to scan the code(s).

I was right. P0441 is back.

Here is the info.

So the short of it is, there is a vacuum switch that tells the PCM the system is purging. There is a separate P0443 for the evap purge valve itself (I don't have that code and P0441 cannot be diagnosed without properly repairing a P0443 for obvious reasons). That would suggest that the issue is either the vacuum switch, or like the physical plumbing.

The good news is I actually have a Tech 2 so I can command all the stuff in here as described. That's cool. First year of OBD-II and all.

Skimming the table, this is making sense. They want me to command the purge valve at idle and see if there is vacuum at the switch with a gauge. There should be if everything else is working. And in that case, it would be a vacuum switch issue. For a new switch they want to make sure the whole system isn't all carboned up. Interesting.

It is $15 if that is the issue. GM 12555984.

It didn't appear in the listings but they carry the P/N.

Wide applicability to a long list of first gen OBD-II GM products.

BUICK
ROADMASTER
1996
CADILLAC
FLEETWOOD
1996
CHEVROLET
ASTRO
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
C1500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
C2500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
C2500 SUBURBAN
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
C3500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
CAMARO
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
CAPRICE
1996
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
EXPRESS 1500
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
EXPRESS 2500
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
EXPRESS 3500
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
IMPALA
1996
CHEVROLET
K1500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
K2500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
K2500 SUBURBAN
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
K3500 PICKUP
1996-1997
CHEVROLET
P30
1996-1997
GMC
C1500 PICKUP
1996-1997
GMC
C2500 PICKUP
1996-1997
GMC
C2500 SUBURBAN
1996-1997
GMC
C3500 PICKUP
1996-1997
GMC
K1500 PICKUP
1996-1997
GMC
K2500 PICKUP
1996-1997
GMC
K2500 SUBURBAN
1996-1997
GMC
K3500
1996-1997
GMC
P3500
1996-1997
GMC
SAFARI
1996-1997
GMC
SAVANA 1500
1996-1997
GMC
SAVANA 2500
1996-1997
GMC
SAVANA 3500
1996-1997
OLDSMOBILE
BRAVADA
1996-1997
PONTIAC
FIREBIRD
1996-1997

Moving to this thread.

Well this didn't go as planned.

First test is to command the purge solenoid on with the engine running and monitor the vacuum switch status. The P0441 would suggest that the PCM would NOT see a purge condition (due to any number of faults including the vacuum switch itself). However, every time I commanded the purge solenoid, the switch reported purging. I tried like 20 times. I also disconnected the hose and there was suction. Even with a gross leak the switch still saw enough vacuum to report purging even though the canister wasn't even connected. I also connected a vacuum gauge and it was almost 20" which is strong vacuum.

Some of the hoses don't look the greatest but given my results I don't think they are leaking in such a way as to cause this. However, I will still replace the elbow that goes from the TB to the purge solenoid, and the hose that goes from the solenoid to the vacuum switch.

To my surprise, the Tech 2 also reported a P0443 which would direct attention to the purge solenoid. However, I did not check for codes on the Tech 2 before messing with everything so maybe that set while I was playing around. Either that or my generic scan tool failed to report the P0443. Anyway, maybe after all this the P0443 is the real code and I actually need a solenoid (even though it was working fine when I tested it).

I reset the codes again and I will order those two hoses. Next time I get a light (which should be a matter of a few days), I will scan with the Tech 2 and see if there is a P0443. If there is I will go after that one. I will post it also.

Ok cannot get the elbow that runs from the TB to the purge solenoid. I think I replaced that on my Camaro way back in the day. Discontinuing parts like this on cars that are still in service is infuriating. The aftermarket doesn't seem to have picked it up, either.

Anyway, this is hilarious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vbroc6KMmo

An old spark plug boot is evidently a perfect fit. Now if I can find an old set of wires, that will fix that up.

Fortunately I can order the hose that runs from the solenoid to the vacuum switch and I will. Again I don't think these are my issue anyway.

Elbow P/N is 10105324
Other hose is 12556259 and RockAuto carries that for $7 (realistically I could probably just make my own up but I'll order the right one that is molded into an S).

Good reference for these part numbers with a diagram: http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/lt1-%7C-lt4 ... enoid.html

Figures. All I found were the old wires from the Ranger. I may have old wires in the trunk of my Caprice....which is not here.

Adam gave me an old wire from his Caprice so I will harvest the 90° boot from that. My hose should arrive today also, so I'll make those repairs and try to blow out the purge solenoid to make sure some junk isn't in there.

Light has not come back on for 2 full commutes. I'm wondering if the solenoid intermittently does not respond due to mechanical issues. I think that would cause this code. Either way, I don't think I have big repairs ahead of me on this.