P0444 code meaning
EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Open
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0444 means
The evaporative emission (EVAP) system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister; a purge valve lets the engine draw it off, and a vent valve opens the canister to fresh air. P0444 belongs to the older scheme of circuit, open and shorted codes for purge valve A; Saab's Trionic T7 and VW use it, while GM reports an open circuit as P0443 and Ford covers everything in P0443. Saab checks with the output switched off: below 2 V the supply through the coil is missing or the line is grounded – Saab combines both under P0444, sets it after about 1 s and pauses the check until the next drive. Purging then stops.
P0444 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0444
- Check engine light on
- Possibly fuel smell
- EVAP monitors do not run
Common causes of P0444
- Most likelyPurge valve connector off or corroded
- PossibleValve coil open
- PossibleSupply wire, fuse, main relay or control wire open
- Less likelyControl wire shorted to ground (Saab definition)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EVAP purge valvePurge valve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0444 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0444 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0444
What does P0444 mean?
P0444 means "EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Open". The evaporative emission (EVAP) system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister; a purge valve lets the engine draw it off, and a vent valve opens the canister to fresh air. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0444?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0444 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0444 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0444 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0444 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.