What Is the P1440 Code?
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The P1440 code indicates a problem within your Evaporative Emission (EVAP) purge line. This system keeps hydrocarbons from moving into the atmosphere, instead sending them to the engine to burn them off during the normal operation of the engine before releasing them. This code indicates that the purge line valve, which controls the purge line, is unable to close.
More About the P1440 Code
The description for the P1440 code of “Purge Valve Stuck Open” is most common to Citroen and Peugeot manufacturers. The same problem is often seen in Jaguar, Hyundai, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mercury, and Nissan vehicles, although the description will usually be “Evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve.” For other vehicles, you may see a different description of this code, including:
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve – open circuit – Audi, Volkswagen
- Cruise control signal – interface fault – BMW
- Canister V/V Open / Short – Daewoo
- Motor power inverter module – output circuit malfunction – Honda
- Secondary air injection (AIR) switching valve, bank 1 – circuit malfunction – Lexus, Toyota
- Fuel tank pressure control system – voltage low – Saab, Subaru
This is a great reminder to check the description of the code and not just the code itself, as the problem will often be different depending on the manufacturer.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P1440 Code?
The main symptom of the P1440 code is that the check engine light will turn on. In many cases, you will also experience reduced fuel efficiency, and you may notice strong gas odors. These are the most common symptoms, but depending on the exact problem you’re experiencing, you might experience other symptoms as well, and if your code description is not about the purge valve, you likely won’t experience these specific problems.
What Are Some Causes of a P1440 Code?
There are many potential causes of the P1440 code. It may be due to a specific problem with the fuel tank, like the cap not closing properly, the relief valve being damaged, debris being trapped in the cap, or using the wrong fuel tank cap. The EVAP canister or fuel tank may also be leaking, or the purge line tubing may be broken. It could also be that the EVAP pressure sensor or the vent control valve circuit may be damaged. Generally, it’s due to an issue within the fuel tank or EVAP system, although where in that system the problem lies might vary.
How Serious Is the P1440 Code?
This very much depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing. Although the P1440 code doesn’t often present drivability problems, any problem can eventually progress into drivability problems, and the longer you drive with the code, the more likely you will be to experience problems. Assume that it’s a serious problem and get help from an expert to fix it.
Can I Still Drive with a P1440 Code?
Experts do not recommend driving long-term with the P1440 code. Regardless of which definition you’re experiencing with the P1440 code, the fact is that it’s a problem with your EVAP system, which has to do with your fuel source, and that means it can develop into an actual problem over time. However, you should be safe to drive to your local repair shop.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1440 Code?
This diagnosis process will depend on exactly what the problem is. Sometimes, you can fix this problem yourself by checking that you have the right fuel cap and that the cap has nothing stuck in it, so it closes properly. If that doesn’t work, then the diagnosis process will likely be more in-depth, and you should leave the problem to an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1440 Code?
The P1440 code can be very difficult to inspect; after all, the EVAP control system is very complex, and understanding the problem also requires you to understand what a well-functioning system looks like. If you’re not sure about how a well-functioning system looks, then you might not be able to handle it effectively. An expert, however, will have this knowledge, allowing them to fix the problem for you.
Need Additional Help with Your P1440 Code?
Problems with the EVAP system tend to be issues that you need an expert to help with. Not only will these problems often cause your vehicle to not pass an emissions check, but they may lead to drivability issues, especially over time. It’s important to get help from an expert as soon as possible if you’re noticing either this code or warning symptoms of it.
Kelley can help you find a repair shop in your area to make it easier for you to fix the problem. They can do an inspection, pay attention to any issues that you’re experiencing, and then fix those problems quickly, allowing you to get back on the road.
It’s also very common for the P1440 code to come along with other codes as well. Whether you’re trying to determine what codes to look for or you’re just interested in how these codes function, the KBB OBD-II database can give you more insight into the OBD system in general.
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