Volkswagen Purge Valve (N80) Troubleshooting

The purge valve on Volkswagen vehicles is part of the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system.

The main function of the purge valve (N80)  is to capture fuel vapor from the fuel tank and return it to the fuel system so that it can be burned in the engine instead of being released in the air. The purge valve is short for the canister purge valve, but it may also be called the evap purge valve. 

In this guide, we diagnose a Volkswagen Jetta that has a bad purge valve. We will look at the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) triggered by a faulty purge valve on a VW, symptoms, and where the purge valve is located. 

This valve opens on command by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to purge fuel vapors from the charcoal canister into the intake manifold. The purge valve is also used to tests for vapor leaks by pulling a vacuum. When it fails, it causes fault codes such as P0441 or P0444 or other codes related to "evap system malfunction" pointing to a faulty N80 sensor.

VW Purge Valve Location 

On Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, CC, Passat, EOS, CC, etc., the purge valve is mounted on the engine's top or side, generally on the passenger side.

This picture shows the purge valve on a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta equipped with a 1.4 turbo engine. 

The purge valve on this Volkswagen equipped with the 2.5L engine is located on top of the engine on the passenger side. 

Symptoms

Here are a few symptoms you may notice when the Volkswagen purge valve is bad: 

• Check engine light on
• Increased fuel consumption
• Rought idle 
• The engine struggles to start.
• A decrease in engine performance

In most cases, the only symptom the driver noticed is the check engine light stays on. You can learn how to diagnose Volkswagen's check engine light by following this guide. Fuel consumption may also increase, but other symptoms such as rough idle and engine struggling to start are much less likely. 

How much does it cost to repair the purge valve on a VW? 

The purge valve is straightforward to replace. It usually takes less than one hour to replace the purge valve on a Volkswagen. 

It usually costs around $180 to $300 to replace the purge valve at a Volkswagen dealer or auto mechanic shop. 

The average cost to replace the purge valve yourself is usually between $30 to $90. 

Can you drive a VW that has a bad purge valve? 

While it is possible to drive the vehicle with a bad purge valve, we do not recommend doing so for an extended time. Your vehicle is no longer meeting the emission standards. 

Does my VW have an EVAP purge valve? 

Yes. Almost all 2000 and newer Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine have a purge valve. That includes VW, Jetta, Atlas, Bora, Passat, Golf, CC, EOS. 

How do you test a VW purge valve? 

The easier way to test a VW control purge valve is to see if it opens and closes when you supply power to it. Use a pair of clips to connect 12 volts to it. 

You should hear the valve operate. Further, you can test if the purge valve opens and closes by blowing through it as you switch the power on/off. 

Where to buy the Volkswagen purge valve? 

Online. Check out these Volkswagen purge valve listings. Bosch usually makes the OEM Volkswagen purge valve. 

The most common part number for the VW purge valve is 0280142431.