Extremely frustrated with CEL post alternator rebuild

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 26 May 2019, 07:14

First post from me as I continue to scour the internet for potential answers to my CEL problem. Car ran great for a few summers until last fall when I got a power system service urgent warning on the dash. Upon having the alternator removed and rebuilt and reinstalled a CEL showed up that continues to haunt me. My car is one of the 25 KPAX GT editions and has just over 35K miles on it. A generic scanner yields a “emissions high purge flow” error, P0496. Clearing the code only brings it back after 40 or so miles of driving. I had a Euro car shop scan the car on Friday and they confirmed that the purge valve was stuck in the open position. Before getting into a voltage test on the valve another mechanic came over and pulled the hose connected from the purge valve to under the IM (stepped hose connected right above alternator) and there was a break in the small rubber connecting hose. This was replaced and Given the proximity to the alternator (directly above it) I thought the hose was damaged during the alternator replacement. Fast forward 24 hours and the CEL is back

. I’ve tried posting on C30crew and swedespeed with limited success so I thought I would reach out to the forum in hopes someone has cured this very same issue in their vehicle.

Im also attempting to get VIDA testing done from a local friend that is struggling to get the 2014 version up and running on his laptop :/.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 27 May 2019, 08:19

I scanned with VIDA yesterday and got an ECM-420C code as per attached pic off my google drive.

Is there any Chance a fuse has gone bad that is tied to the purge valve, leaving it stuck open? We checked the connector to look for corrosion and it still looks brand new :/. Maybe something internal is shot on it. I am going to order a new valve today but wanted to give the experts here a bit more info to help me!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 27 May 2019, 10:53

Blow in it, see if it is stuck open. It only two wires, hook it up direct and see if it is working or not.

If it is stuck, capping one end and filling it with Seafoam and letting it soak for 30 minutes might unstuck it.

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 27 May 2019, 12:43

Thank you for the suggestion!!! I did order a new valve today - we will try and test it upon pulling out the existing (and before installing the new one). If in fact it’s stuck, and there are no other related problems creating the issue I’d prefer to have a brand new one in place. Just crossing fingers that a new valve is the answer and it’s not just a symptom of a bigger issue that brings me right back to square one

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 27 May 2019, 20:44

Jamessh1 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 12:43 Just crossing fingers that a new valve is the answer and it’s not just a symptom of a bigger issue that brings me right back to square one

Keep your fingers crossed. Stuck valve is what the ECM assumes the problem is.

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 May 2019, 22:35

P1 turbo uses a check valve on the turbo inlet neck for the crankcase vent. That check valve is supposed to be sucked closed idling and when off idle and boost builds the check valve for intake closes and this one opens to let vapors go through turbo and intercooler and back through throttle. If the check valve sticks open then idle fuel trim issues result. Sometimes the DTC for purge valve is set. The hose to it can be an issue too. DO this if purge valve is found to work as it should (sealed with no power applied and open when powered).

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 28 May 2019, 07:56

jimmy57 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 22:35 P1 turbo uses a check valve on the turbo inlet neck for the crankcase vent. That check valve is supposed to be sucked closed idling and when off idle and boost builds the check valve for intake closes and this one opens to let vapors go through turbo and intercooler and back through throttle. If the check valve sticks open then idle fuel trim issues result. Sometimes the DTC for purge valve is set. The hose to it can be an issue too. DO this if purge valve is found to work as it should (sealed with no power applied and open when powered).

GREAT info! Is the check valve and associated hose easily accessible under hood? I’d at least like to have a look at the hose in the meantime I’d easily visible - any picture or diagram or guidance on where to look would be fantastic!

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 30 May 2019, 09:29

OK - new Evap canister purge valve installed last night. The ECM 420C code was cleared by my friends VIDA. CEL showed up again this am. I think it’s time to take to the dealer! Any idea if purge flow issues would fall under emissions? I have emissions warranty until next year.

Post by **xHeart** » 30 May 2019, 09:34

Jamessh1 wrote: ↑30 May 2019, 09:29 OK - new Evap canister purge valve installed last night. The ECM 420C code was cleared by my friends VIDA. CEL showed up again this am. I think it’s time to take to the dealer! Any idea if purge flow issues would fall under emissions? I have emissions warranty until next year.

Does the DTC came on at ignition OR after a drive?

Jamessh1 · Post by **Jamessh1** » 30 May 2019, 09:50

xHeart wrote: ↑30 May 2019, 09:34
Jamessh1 wrote: ↑30 May 2019, 09:29 OK - new Evap canister purge valve installed last night. The ECM 420C code was cleared by my friends VIDA. CEL showed up again this am. I think it’s time to take to the dealer! Any idea if purge flow issues would fall under emissions? I have emissions warranty until next year.

Does the DTC came on at ignition OR after a drive?

After a drive of anywhere from 25-60 kilometres.