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- Joined
- Jun 6, 2025
- Messages
- 2
- City
- Mississippi
- Vehicle Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
Hey everyone, currently having issues with my 1996 2.3L Ranger. More specifically, P0401 (EGR "A" Flow Insufficient Detected) and P1443 (Evaporative Emission System Control Valve Low/No Flow). I bought this truck about a year ago and have had more time lately to fix these issues, and I am focusing on the P1443 first. This is the first and only vehicle I have really worked on so any help or knowledge about how it works is very much appreciated.
My truck is very persistently throwing the P1443 code, I have cleared it multiple times after thinking I found the issue and it comes back like clockwork. I read the article about the Evap system and from my understanding, the ECU is throwing this code because, according to the readings from the purge flow sensor, there is no flow coming through the evap system lines into the intake manifold. When I inspected the purge solenoid, it was clogged and could not fully close after thorough cleaning with carb cleaner, so I replaced it and the charcoal canister as well. Cleared the code, but it came back the same day.
I suspected the new solenoid was bad, but opened fine when putting the battery across both terminals. Just to be sure, I unhooked the line from charcoal canister and held it on my finger to feel for the engine vacuum, and it had no vacuum at idle and would rapidly open at close with a little throttle and stay open with more throttle, so I am pretty confident the solenoid is not the issue.
Next, I suspected a clog somewhere between the charcoal canister and fuel tank, so I left the tube between the solenoid and the canister disconnected and drove for a bit on the highway. The P1443 code appeared again, so I am almost certain there is an issue with the purge flow sensor or some of the wiring that goes to it. This does not rule out a clog farther away from the engine, but it does suggest that the ECU would still throw the P1443 even with normal flow.
So I ordered a new purge flow sensor online and installed it, but my truck then gave me a P1445 (Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High Input). I assumed it was a faulty part, so I returned it and later got another one but it also gave me the same P1445 code, so I am starting to think it is not just an issue with the purge flow sensors. I found another article here that goes into further detail but it is a bit beyond my knowledge right now so I need some help on this issue.
With the key in ignition and engine off, I took a multimeter and tested the voltages across the pins in the connector. One was the ground, the second had 12.3 volts across, and the third had 5 volts. The article said that one of these should have a voltage between 0.4 and 4.80 volts, so my truck was a little bit above this. With the voltage above the range, the article then says to proceed to HW34 (Not really sure what these mean but it was a section of the article)
At this point, it asks to "Measure resistance between VPWR and PF pins on the PF sensor." I do not know which one is which, but I measured 32 Ohms one one and 84 Ohms on the other. According to the guide, the resistance should be between 40 and 230 Ohms, so it's a 50/50 shot that it's good but I just don't know.
So that is where I am now, if anyone can help.
Would also be curious about y'all's opinions on Standard Motor Products for replacement parts, because both of the new purge flow sensors I tried were from them and I would love to find out that all I need to do is get a part from a reputable brand.
My truck is very persistently throwing the P1443 code, I have cleared it multiple times after thinking I found the issue and it comes back like clockwork. I read the article about the Evap system and from my understanding, the ECU is throwing this code because, according to the readings from the purge flow sensor, there is no flow coming through the evap system lines into the intake manifold. When I inspected the purge solenoid, it was clogged and could not fully close after thorough cleaning with carb cleaner, so I replaced it and the charcoal canister as well. Cleared the code, but it came back the same day.
I suspected the new solenoid was bad, but opened fine when putting the battery across both terminals. Just to be sure, I unhooked the line from charcoal canister and held it on my finger to feel for the engine vacuum, and it had no vacuum at idle and would rapidly open at close with a little throttle and stay open with more throttle, so I am pretty confident the solenoid is not the issue.
Next, I suspected a clog somewhere between the charcoal canister and fuel tank, so I left the tube between the solenoid and the canister disconnected and drove for a bit on the highway. The P1443 code appeared again, so I am almost certain there is an issue with the purge flow sensor or some of the wiring that goes to it. This does not rule out a clog farther away from the engine, but it does suggest that the ECU would still throw the P1443 even with normal flow.
So I ordered a new purge flow sensor online and installed it, but my truck then gave me a P1445 (Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High Input). I assumed it was a faulty part, so I returned it and later got another one but it also gave me the same P1445 code, so I am starting to think it is not just an issue with the purge flow sensors. I found another article here that goes into further detail but it is a bit beyond my knowledge right now so I need some help on this issue.
With the key in ignition and engine off, I took a multimeter and tested the voltages across the pins in the connector. One was the ground, the second had 12.3 volts across, and the third had 5 volts. The article said that one of these should have a voltage between 0.4 and 4.80 volts, so my truck was a little bit above this. With the voltage above the range, the article then says to proceed to HW34 (Not really sure what these mean but it was a section of the article)
At this point, it asks to "Measure resistance between VPWR and PF pins on the PF sensor." I do not know which one is which, but I measured 32 Ohms one one and 84 Ohms on the other. According to the guide, the resistance should be between 40 and 230 Ohms, so it's a 50/50 shot that it's good but I just don't know.
So that is where I am now, if anyone can help.
Would also be curious about y'all's opinions on Standard Motor Products for replacement parts, because both of the new purge flow sensors I tried were from them and I would love to find out that all I need to do is get a part from a reputable brand.
