P0446 Help needed...
 

Before you flame, I've thoroughly browsed and found no help to my unique problem.

The other day I replaced my fuel filter and changed my oil. after about a day of driving my 99 threw a P0446 code. I feel like I've knocked something loose in the evap system, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I have some pictures attached

http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cab...46vm96cx5g.jpg
The hose in the center of this picture is shown connected to the MAF area in the following picture. is there anything missing here?
http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/403...e9kdlaf45g.jpg
I also have this weird sensor that has been loose since the day I bought my car. Where does it go? I doubt its related to the CEL though because it's literally been like that for almost two years.
http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/31a...v0h353e85g.jpg
Any ideas? I hear this code has something to do with the Evap canister, could it just be a coincidence that I was just poking around in my engine the other day and the canister does need replaced? I have no idea where it is either, if you think thats the cause, where is it and how do i get to it? Thanks a lot

the plug goes under the resonator box. and the code, just reset it and drive on. if it comes back, then you can start to worry... lol

EDIT: it may be the resonator box or the intake filter box... but you should be able to feel around for the hole. or take it off and look. either way. thats part of the intake piping...

You're at the wrong end of the car for the evap canister. It's located behind the driver side back tire...black box.

Good call. I will try resetting it. And thanks, this code is associated with the evap canister right? I don't have an intake filter box anymore so loose it will stay i guess lol

Yes, the code is for the canister area...could be the canister vent valve sticking.

It's the valve that's sticking on the part that's inside the black charcoal box. The code for that is a p0446. It's a plunger valve that opens and closes to remove gas fumes out of the system.

Thanks for being specific, that's all I needed to hear. Is there a way to remedy this or do I have to replace the canister?

unbolt it from the canister and spray some carb cleaner in it and you may need a little screwdriver to unstick it.....finally spray a little WD40 in it and work the valve back and forth once it moves freely, apply 12v to it to ensure it does move and reinstall it!

Thank you! I'll give it a try this week and post back with my results...saves me a hundred bucks or a trip to the junk yard.

+1 but for me wd40 was not strong enough. I used pb blast, blocked off the holes once I sprayed it in there and let it sit for a while.

Here's a video I came across when trying to fix mine

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop...Zwil1lMo&gl=US

That link doesn't work :(

Sorry. Probably cause I did it on my phone. Well, if you want to see a video of cleaning It, go to googlee and type in "97 maxima canister vent valve video" and it should come right up.

I found a broken vacuum nipple on one of the small hoses on the bracket in front of the cannister. The hose was so short it was holding it in place and I couldn't see the break until I started moving things around. I replaced the whole cannister, bracket and parts from the JY - been fine ever since. Good luck.

So I went to get the thing off today and the bolts are corroded and rounded off. Any suggestions for getting the a holes out?

Drill the heads off!!!!

OK so I got the problem taken care of. CEL was off for about a week, however when I reset it I also had P0440 and P0325. It stayed off about a week and all three codes are back. I know the 325 is knock, but I freed up the valve in the charcoal canister so what is my problem? Do I have to replace it?

IIRC P0440 (EVAP system leak) is caused by P0446. You said you freed up the canister vent valve, but did you apply 12v to it like cmax said to make sure it's working?

fyi, i'm selling original equipment genuine nissan knock sensors for $35.00 to org members in the classifieds.
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...0-shipped.html

Has a similar problem w my 97. There is a bracket in front of the canister with several small hoses, sensors and valves. Make sure all of them are clean and operational. Look for any broken nipples - the small hoses can hold them in place and make a break hard to see. I ended up replacing entire bracket assembly from a JY - has worked fine for a couple of years.

I guess I'm thinking about just replacing all that crap out of a JY car now. What are the odds they had the same issue right?... I guess I will take some time and go through that whole area tediously and then make a decision. I'll report back sooner or later, more than likely with more questions, but hopefully not lol. I'll keep that knock sensor in mind, thank you.