Another CEL P0446 question

[Rob175]

Well, unfortunately for me, the correct "charcoal vapor canister" part (based on my VIN number) goes for about $1,000.

(note: The car is stored away for the winter so my conversation with my "indi" was just a conversation without actually scanning the car.)

Additionally, my "indi" suggests a couple of valves in the system should probably also be replaced at the same time because "they too are 25 yrs old, possibly problematic and as long as we're in there......".

I'm wondering if professional scanning equipment (much better than my little hand scanner) will also determine if those valves are working properly? Or, as the "indi" suggested, it was best to just replace the canister and the associated valves adjacent to the canister at the same time. (the valves are not very expensive (relatively speaking).

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Rob175

Well, unfortunately for me, the correct "charcoal vapor canister" part (based on my VIN number) goes for about $1,000.

(note: The car is stored away for the winter so my conversation with my "indi" was just a conversation without actually scanning the car.)

Additionally, my "indi" suggests a couple of valves in the system should probably also be replaced at the same time because "they too are 25 yrs old, possibly problematic and as long as we're in there......".

I'm wondering if professional scanning equipment (much better than my little hand scanner) will also determine if those valves are working properly? Or, as the "indi" suggested, it was best to just replace the canister and the associated valves adjacent to the canister at the same time. (the valves are not very expensive (relatively speaking).

The valves and lines can be tested individually, but not by a scan tool, it requires getting your hands dirtty removing them, blowing air through them, and testing them electrically; you know: Diagnositcs, which mechanics do while parts swapers just replace things randomly, hoping for success...............

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The valves and lines can be tested individually, but not by a scan tool, it requires getting your hands dirtty removing them, blowing air through them, and testing them electrically; you know: Diagnositcs, which mechanics do while parts swapers just replace things randomly, hoping for success...............

C’mon JFP - tell us how you really feel!

My fave “is there a DIY for this?” Yes, it’s called the Bentley manual (with 101 projects for your Boxster as an adder, for those so inclined). If you want to do an engine rebuild, Jake Raby’s DIY DVDs are available.

These ain’t Hondas, although I will assert that my 196k 986 has had Honda-like reliability over the 18 years that I’ve owned it.

[Rob175]

I'll report back once my car goes to my "indi" shop (end of March). They're experienced with Porsche cars and have worked on mine in the past and usually pretty "conservative" when it comes to determining what does and doesn't need to be replaced.

As I've written in the past my 98' with 95,000 miles has been relatively problem free. Other than regular maintenance I've only replaced the water pump and coolant expansion tank.

Thanks to those that responded. I'll report back.

(FYI....lots of (what appear to be very clean and working)) replacement canisters on eBay for a fraction of the retail price ...but I have a feeling my "indi" won't want me to bring in a part of my own.....plus, IF the CEL light returned after install I'd be buying another from him PLUS more labor)

[Rob175]

Well......I just took my 98' Boxster out of storage yesterday. As I previously wrote, I got the code for the evaporation system (P0446) as I was driving the car to its winter storage back in December.

At that time I read the code and cleared it figuring I would deal with it in the spring, which is now. So after taking it out of its 4 months of storage I drive it about 75 miles, hoping to re-set all of the car's sensors/codes to the "ready" state. So I drove it for about another 50 miles with no CEL.

Does that mean my issue has "magically fixed itself"?...I doubt that.
Could enough fuel have evaporated in 4 months of storage?....I have no idea.
Is one of the valves in the system "sticking" intermittently?....I have no clue.

I suppose all I can do now is just continue to drive the car and see if the CEL ever comes on again rather than letting my "indi" investigate it further.......but I definitely WILL NOT try to top off my fuel tank in the future. Maybe I'll be lucky.....

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Rob175

Well......I just took my 98' Boxster out of storage yesterday. As I previously wrote, I got the code for the evaporation system (P0446) as I was driving the car to its winter storage back in December.

At that time I read the code and cleared it figuring I would deal with it in the spring, which is now. So after taking it out of its 4 months of storage I drive it about 75 miles, hoping to re-set all of the car's sensors/codes to the "ready" state. So I drove it for about another 50 miles with no CEL.

Does that mean my issue has "magically fixed itself"?...I doubt that.
Could enough fuel have evaporated in 4 months of storage?....I have no idea.
Is one of the valves in the system "sticking" intermittently?....I have no clue.

I suppose all I can do now is just continue to drive the car and see if the CEL ever comes on again rather than letting my "indi" investigate it further.......but I definitely WILL NOT try to top off my fuel tank in the future. Maybe I'll be lucky.....

More likely the code was is called a "ghost code", which happens when the DME thinks it sees a problem that isn't real or only momentary; if the problem was real, it will return, otherwise you are golden.

[Rob175]

Thanks....fingers crossed!

[Rob175]

Still driving.....and the CEL with code has NOT re-appeared. Perhaps while in storage for almost 5 months enough (over-filled) fuel in the system's valves, lines and charcoal canister has evaporated.

I'm thinking that IF a CEL and P-code don't re-appear in another 200-500 additional miles that all is "good".