2004 Dodge Caravan Error code explanation please

Tiny
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  • 2004 DODGE CARAVAN
Computer problem
2004 Dodge Caravan Front Wheel Drive Automatic 103 miles

Hello you wonderful people!

I just have one quick question. 3 days ago I had my intake gasket replaced at my car mechanic's shop. This morning my engine light turned on and when I checked the code using that on-off-on-off-on ignition key sequence, the code it popped out was P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow.

I don't kow much about car repairs, but just wanted to take a quick look under the hood. Everything looks normal, except I've noticed that cap on the coolant bottle was wide open (not closed).

Can this cause this code, because I really don't have any other problems with this van. Is there anything else I should check maybe?

Thanks in advance and have a wonderful evening everybody!
Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:22 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
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For a start check the purge control solenoid if its cyling- charcoal canister and hose for blokage-
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the prompt respond, greatly appreciated!

I forgot to mention that 3 weeks ago I had my solenoid packs replaced. There was another error code and Mr. Transmission guys told me I had to replace solenoid pack, which I agreed of course.

I'm sorry but I really have no clue how to check these things you just advised me to do. Thanks for the answer and sorry I'm being so stupid and car repair-illiterate :(

Thanks again!
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
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The cooling system has nothing to w/the Evap system-bring it in.
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
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Sorry you lost me there.

OK, I understand it has nothing to do with the work guys did on intake gasket and my open coolant bottle.

But could it be that's something connected to my previous problem with transmission/solenoid packs or I can rule that out immediately?

Thanks again!

PS. I will take my car back to the shop so they can take a look what's happening.
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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All the work repair has nothing to with it-
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
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Thank you so much! I will take your advice and bring my car in so they can take a closer look and see what needs to be fixed.

Just one more quick question if I may. Is there any clue at least approximately on how much this could cost me? Is this like a huge repair job or something easy to fix? Just want to see how much I have to put on side for this.

Thanks!
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
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The labor rate now a days runs from $70.00 -$130.00 per hr and also parts-it varies with location my advise is to shop around
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
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OK I will, thank you so much for staying with me and helping me out. I was just afraid a little bit because tomorrow I have to take my baby for pediatrician's appointment, 25km away from where we live. Not sure if I can make things worse if I drive my van in this condition or is it still safe. I have to say I haven't noticed a single problem until this engine light came on this morning. Car still runs super fine so I was confused.

Are there any signs that something's wrong I should be watching out for or is it still safe to take a ride tomorrow?
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
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So the error code I've got is:
P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System, Incorrect Purge Flow

I've noticed that when I'm coming to a full stop (traffic lights) engine surges just for a split of second and van slightly jumps in place, almost unnoticeable but I feel it. That happens in 98% of time.

Do you guys have any clue on what could cause this behaviour? I have appointment with my car mechanic scheduled for tomorrow, but when I tried to explain this, he said he has no clue what could be the culprit. In other words it could mean that he will need additional 8 hours to charge me while inpecting everything. It would really help if someone can narrow this problem down to what exactly needs to be checked so he doesn't spend his and of course my time/money on checking my passenger side mirror's motor :)

Could it be that it's only Purge valve and is it safe to replace it myself?

Thanks in advance!
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Friday, December 5th, 2008 AT 6:36 AM
Tiny
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P0441 - problem solved. It was just one of those hoses connected to charcoal canister. It wasn't connected firmly to that little pipe. My car mechanic reconnected everything, checked all other hoses, reset my engine light and did not charge me a cent. 7 days after, engine light never came back, so it looks like this is fixed.

However, I still have that other problem, but I will open another thread because it is completely different issue and I'd like to get some help on that one too if possible.

Thanks to all who contributed in this thread, it is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 9:07 AM

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