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P0441 Code Cleared: How Long Will It Stay Gone?

24K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  dun4now 
#1 ·
My 2002 3.3L V6 Voyager's Check Engine Light came on; just in time for me to have an issue right before I have to get an Emissions Inspection. The code, P0441, has been discussed at length on this board in other threads. For now, I just cleared the code.

Last year, I also had an Emissions-related CE Light; the issue turned out to be a cracked hose under the airbox. However, last year's issue would have the CE light back on rather quickly after it being cleared. This time, not yet (I cleared it on Friday, and haven't done much driving since).

How long distance/driving time has to pass before I can go forward with the Emissions Inspection? I learned a few years ago that (of course) you cannot get an inspection right after clearing a CEL cause code.

Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
The most effective thing would be to find the EVAP leak and repair it. As with any EVAP leak, there is really no telling how long the light will stay off. It may stay off until you fill up next time, it may come on tomorrow.

One question, you are not fueling the vehicle with the vehicle running or with the key turned on are you? That will cause the light to come on as well if the EVAP system runs the natural vacuum leak detection test during a fill-up.
 
#3 ·
No, definitely not filling up with the motor running.

Unfortunately, I just don't have much free time to attempt in resolving it myself. And paying a mechanic to do it is like having all my teeth pulled by someone using a pair of channel locks - as in not pleasant.
 
#4 ·
Keep driving it. Maybe you can sneak through inspection...
 
#5 ·
My CEL comes on a couple of times in the Fall with a small leak code (P0442), and stays off the rest of the year. Your problem may be sporatic or a glitch.
This site explains the codes. http://www.obd-codes.com/p0441
 
#7 ·
Emission Test



When you clear CEL all "MONITOR" functions also get reset. Depending on model there are 7-9 monitor functions, such as the evap. system leakage. Please refer to Chrysler service manuals for detail. The problem is that sometimes several run cycles (and several days) are required to establish proper operation. In fact, if your gas tank is above 3/4 full the evap. test will not be done. I believe outside air temp may also be a factor. The CEL can be off and you will fail the test if all monitors are not proper. Some auto stores ,such as AUTOZONE will check status for free. Good luck.
 
#8 ·
The CEL can be off and you will fail the test if all monitors are not proper.
Yes, I am aware of that; hence this thread.

Some auto stores ,such as AUTOZONE will check status for free. Good luck.
I actually used an OBD scanner from an Advance Auto Parts store to clear the code. I have a OBD tool that runs on a PC (Elmscan 5; got it working just today) that shows no active codes, but I cannot recall if it can show a "status" of the system (as in "it's ready to be tested"). I'll have to check it again in a day or two.

Speaking of Elmscan ... is the upgrade worth it? While I am not disappointed in the product's performance, more inforation is always better. Perhaps a freeware alternative someone can suggest? TIA.
 
#9 ·
Here in Ohio if there is no CEL but the computer is not ready, they will do the tailpipe test and actually check the emissions. As long as there are no major issues, you should be able to pass that. Check into it.
 
#11 ·
Well, I lucked out ... got the emissions inspection this afternoon, and passed with flying colors. :)

If any of you are in the area of Cherokee County GA, I suggest the Goodyear store on Hwy 92 just west of Canton Hwy. They seem to be a nice bunch of guys. Turns out one guy there is a Mustang gearhead, so I may have him work on my Explorer (with 5.0 motor).
 
#12 ·
i too had check engine light on for seven years lol, black tape over the loght for e-test. then i found a leak in the filler neck for gas tank just below the threads on top half way around crack. used seal all for oil and gas with my finger laet dry put gas cap back in and started it up. the light went off right away.
 
#13 ·
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