How can I tell if the purge control valve in my Suzuki Alto is stuck open o r closed?

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How can I tell if the purge control valve in my Suzuki Alto is stuck open o r closed?

I suspect that my Suzuki Alto’s purge control valve might be stuck either open o r closed, as I’ve been experiencing irregular engine performance, such as a rough idle o r fuel smell. How can I diagnose whether the valve is stuck open o r closed? What are the potential consequences of a stuck purge valve, and should I replace it immediately?

Gari Specialist asked on 20 Feb 2025 12:10:11 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 20 Feb 2025 12:13:03 pm

A purge control valve that is stuck open o r closed can affect the engine’s performance in different ways. Here’s how you can tell:

Stuck Open: If the purge control valve is stuck open, fuel vapors will constantly flow from the charcoal canister to the engine. This could lead to a rough idle, poor acceleration, and fuel smell due to excess fuel vapors being burned in the engine. You may also notice poor fuel economy.
Stuck Closed: If the valve is stuck closed, the fuel vapors won’t be able to reach the engine, leading to a vacuum buildup in the EVAP system. Symptoms of this include hard starting, engine misfires, and possibly even poor fuel economy because the engine isnt properly venting fuel vapors.
To diagnose:

Listen for a clicking sound: When the valve operates, it usually clicks. You can sometimes hear this noise when the engine is running.
Check the valve visually: Remove the valve and inspect for debris o r damage.
Test the valve electronically: You can use a multimeter to test if the valve is receiving power and opening/closing as required.