There is a system called the “evaporative emission control system,” which, in turn, contains a vapor canister purge valve. The valve is responsible for regulating the amount of fuel vapor exiting the charcoal canister. The purge valve is known to work in sync with the charcoal canister to recycle emissions as they need to be eliminated through the internal combustion process. That is why driving with a faulty purge valve can affect the engine.
Are you concerned about how to tell if the valve has malfunctioned? Here are the five most common symptoms to watch for that indicate the purge valve needs repair or replacement.
Symptoms of Driving with a Faulty Purge Valve
If you have a faulty purge valve, the situation would be worse than a non-functioning charcoal canister. Here are the symptoms that could help you decide that it’s the purge valve causing problems.
1. The Check Engine Light Turns On
Although there are dozens of reasons that can lead to the check engine light turning on, a faulty purge valve could be one of them. There are sensors in the car’s system that monitor the operation of the purge valve, and once the signals from the valve fail to transmit, an indication is the result. When the sensors detect a loss of signal from the valve, the information is then communicated to the engine control unit. That is why the dashboard light turns on, indicating that you have driven with a faulty purge valve.
2. Rough Idling
Do you often get stuck in traffic with the engine light on? If so, you’ll know how smoothly or roughly your vehicle handles it. If you notice a change that leads to rough idling, you should consult a mechanic. It’s likely that the purge valve is faulty and requires your attention. Do not ignore the problem, as it could lead to the engine stalling completely because vacuum leaks are very likely to occur.
3. Difficulty Starting
When your car is experiencing a vacuum leak, you may struggle to start the car. This problem is even more consistent when it’s the purge valve that has malfunctioned. The vacuum leak would create an entry point for air to enter the engine and significantly disrupt the combustion process. This is not a favorable situation! You can also refer to maintenance tips for other issues that may cause delays in starting your vehicle.
4. Poor Engine Performance
If you’re a fan of high speeds, a faulty purge valve will ruin all the fun of driving. Engine performance would become poor, and no matter how hard you try, power output would deteriorate. If you already miss your smooth rides, you should consult a mechanic. You need to address these small issues when driving at your desired speed.
5. Failed Emission Tests
Did you know that a purge valve prevents toxic hydrocarbons from being released from the exhaust pipe? So when you have a faulty purge valve, toxic hydrocarbons escape from the internal system. Such a situation would not be good for your emission control tests. With more toxicity in the air, you would also increase your carbon footprint. If it’s the purge valve that has caused the mess, you’d better repair or replace it as needed.
Summary
These are the five most common symptoms you need to watch for when driving with a faulty purge valve. Never forget that the healthier your car is, the better the driving experience.