QuakerJ

Hey fellas, I've got a new code that showed up recently, it's code P1445.

Along with this code, I smell fuel vapor for about 5 minutes first thing in the morning when the car is warming up. It's only noticeable when the car is sitting still, and climate control is on and blowing in outside air, which I believe sucks air in through the cowl.

I did a cursory glance under the hood at the EVAP stuff and nothing seems amiss. I'm sure there are no fuel leaks, fuel economy is down some, but I attribute that to the colder weather, this car always has gotten 24-25mpg in winter and that's about what I'm seeing.

Is this a simple "trust the computer" and swap the canister purge volume control valve, or is this something I'll have to diagnose? Anyone know where this part can be found? Would love to hear any thoughts on the problem, or from anyone that has had or fixed this trouble code. Thanks in advance!

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

The valve is on top of the engine, towards the firewall on the on the driver's side. You should do some diagnosing befe you replace it because the problem may be that the EVAP charcoal canister is "leaking" the charcoal granules and interfering with the valve's operation. Take the hoses off and see if you can blow charcoal granules out.

See page 463 for the location - http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1999/EC.pdf

M in KC

^ BINGO. If you see any bits of charcoal in the system you need a new canister and all the lines blown out with compressed air. Its best to follow the FSM troubleshooting sequence for your DTC number.

CS_AR

Read this thread about how charcoal can clog the Evap line.

https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...em-solved.html

JvG

I wonder if it's possible to install a plastic fuel filter into a certain vacuum line back there.

I'm thinking of the kind used for old cars with carburetors.