VW N80 Purge Valve for Optimal Engine Performance – P0441 P0444
The primary 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 released into the air. The purge valve is short for the canister purge valve, but it may also be called the evap purge valve. The purge valve on Volkswagen vehicles is part of the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system and can fail. To address this issue, VW even issued a technical service bulletin known as EVAP Canister Purge Valve N80. In this article, we diagnose a Volkswagen Jetta with a bad purge valve. We will look at the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) triggered by a faulty purge valve on a VW, its symptoms, and where the purge valve is located.
In most cases, the only symptom the driver notices is the check engine light stays on. Fuel consumption may also increase, but other symptoms, such as rough idle and engine-struggling start, are much less likely.
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 test 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 N80 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
Possible Causes
- Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge Regulator Valve (N80) faulty/jammed
- Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge Solenoid Valve (N115) faulty/jammed
- Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Sealing faulty
- Pipes between Tank Breathing and Throttle Body leaky/blocked
Buy Replacement VW N80 Valve
Replacement
Troubleshooting
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge Regulator Valve (N80)
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge Solenoid Valve (N115)
- Check Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister
- Check Pipes between Tank Breathing and Throttle Body
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes on all control modules.
Fault Codes
- P0441 – signals that your car’s EVP system is experiencing an incorrect purge flow.
- P0442 – stands for “Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
- P0444 – code refers to a detected issue with the EVAP circuit.
- P0455 – System Gross Leak Evaporative Emission
- P0456 – the engine control module (ECM) has detected a very small leak in the evaporative system during the vehicle off-testing.
- P0496 – EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition
FAQ
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 is usually between $30 and $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, and 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. 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.
We hope you find the Troubleshooting Purge Valve (N80) Volkswagen guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volkswagen.
