Hi,
My check engine light came on and the dealer said I needed to replace the purge control solenoid valve and evap canister for a grand total of $720. Is this something I can do myself? If yes, can someone tell me if there are any gotchas or anything that's not straight forward? Or do I just pop the old ones out and pop the new ones in? Full disclosure: I'm not an expert mechanic. I am somewhat handy, but at this point I don't even know what the purge control solenoid looks like I'm just trying to save some money if I can.
Thanks.

 

hello can you tell me what dtc was given ?

 

It was P0441 Purge Control Failure.
Also, I see now as I look at the estimate sheet that they recommend replacing the purge control solenoid valve and not the "purge control solenoid" as I said above. When she told me, both on the phone and in person, she said just solenoid, not solenoid valve. In case it matters, I edited my original post and added "valve".

 

The Purge control solenoid and valve are the same thing.
I see it the diagnostic steps where they're probably right about the PCS, but I think they skipped a step. I would question whether they did a complete diagnosis or not. It's only one more simple step in the diagnosis to determine if the canister is good or not.
You could easily replace the PCS and canister (if needed) yourself.

 

Thanks. So I just snap the old parts out and the new ones in? There aren't any gotchas to watch for? Is there a way couold test the canister myself? Or would it hurt anything to replace just the PCS, reset the check engine light, then drive it and see if the light comes back on?

 

I have the same P0441. I checked the vacuum lines and they look okay.
I am guessing it is probably the EVAP purge control valve and/or the EVAP control canister. Looks easy to change. Probably will just change one at a time to see which one is not working. Maybe its both since I have 213,000 miles on the civic.

 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REPLACE THE CHARCOAL CANISTER EVER! That place is trying to rip you off. I have a spare one that is fine if you really want one and your local, but have the dealer check their records, I bet they have never sold one. ever. Check vacume hoses, change the valve, have a better place work on your car.

 

On my 2004 CRV, the 2 plastic tubes broke off of the valve, does that require replacement of the whole canister purge valve solenoid? Or is there some air-tight way to reconnect them?