Canister purge valve - how it works, problems, symptoms, check

The gas tank of any car always contains vapors formed due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or heating of the fuel. In order to prevent the leakage of fuel vapors into the vehicle, a special gasoline vapor recovery system (VPSU) is installed. Thanks to it, the vapors retained by the adsorber (essentially activated carbon) enter the intake manifold and burn in the engine cylinders. To regulate the amount of gasoline vapor coming from the adsorber to the manifold, a special solenoid valve is used.

Principle of operation

The adsorber itself allows fuel vapors to accumulate in a special place - the separator. As a result, gasoline turns into condensate and goes back to the tank. Vapors that have not undergone treatment go through double valves of the system, one of which prevents fuel from spilling out during an emergency (for example, a coup), and the second “is engaged” in regulating the pressure in the tank. The adsorber purge valve is located under the hood, and the adsorber itself is located on the tank. The control unit ensures the normal operation of the entire system: it ventilates and removes condensation.

Why do you need a gasoline vapor recovery system?

Injection vehicles (including Kalina), whose environmental class belongs to Euro-3, must be equipped with an EPS. This prevents fuel vapors from entering the atmosphere, polluting it. In addition, the system guarantees more stable operation of the power plant and saves gasoline. How to check the adsorber valve included in the SUBS and how it functions will be discussed further.

Design and operation of the adsorber purge valve

The KPA is an electromagnetic locking device that operates from the vehicle’s on-board network. The valve consists of:

  • plastic case;
  • valve with spring;
  • windings;
  • metal core;
  • connector

When the vehicle's engine is turned off, no voltage is supplied to the valve and it remains in the closed position. That is, on the motor side, the system that captures vapors is blocked. At the same time, the adsorber begins to “collect” vapors. When the power unit starts, voltage is applied to the valve, causing it to open and fuel vapors to enter the intake manifold. As soon as the ignition is turned off, the control unit is de-energized and the pipeline is closed: no vapors enter the receiver.

Cars of a high price category have a more complex evaporation system. Such machines have special sensors that can “calculate” the amount of air and vapor as a percentage. This allows you to more accurately control the supply of gasoline to the injector.

Adsorber or Absorber

Both of these names can be found on the Internet and in automotive communities. But in fact, these are two different systems, and it is the adsorber that is installed on the car. Therefore, calling this device an absorber is not correct.

Adsorbers are used both in industry and in the automotive industry.

Moreover, starting with the introduction of EURO 2 toxicity standards, these systems are mandatory for installation on vehicles.

What is an adsorber for?

The adsorber is designed to reduce environmental pollution from gasoline vapors. Everyone knows that gasoline evaporates very well.

This also happens to him in the gas tank of a car.

This increases the pressure in the fuel tank, which is a problem.

To solve this problem, the gas tank must be connected to the atmosphere. Thanks to this, we will be able to maintain the pressure in the tank close to atmospheric.

But if we simply connect the tank to the atmosphere, then the gasoline will evaporate directly into the environment, causing harm to the environment.

Older cars did not have an adsorber system. Therefore, the smell of gasoline was almost always felt near them. With the introduction of EURO 2 standards, this became unacceptable and all cars were required to install gasoline vapor recovery systems.

In simple terms, on cars without an adsorber, gasoline evaporates into the atmosphere, and on cars with an adsorber, these vapors are burned (oxidized) in the engine cylinders.

In simple terms, an evaporative emission control (EVAP) system is a fuel tank ventilation system, usually consisting of:

  • Gravity valve
  • Adsorber
  • Controlled canister purge valve
  • Pipelines

Gravity valve of the adsorber

The gravity valve is a mandatory element of the system. It prevents fuel from the gas tank from entering the adsorber when the vehicle rolls over.

It can be installed both in the gas tank and outside it. For example, on a Chevrolet Niva it is installed near the filler neck, and on a Chevrolet Lacetti in the gas tank

Where is the adsorber located?

The principle of operation of the adsorber on different cars is the same, the only difference is in the shape and location of the adsorber and the purge valve. Some have it installed in the engine compartment. For example, VAZ 2115

And, for example, in a Chevrolet Lacetti - under the bottom near the rear wheel

How does the adsorber work?

Fuel vapor from the tank through the gravity valve enters the adsorber (a container with activated carbon) through a fitting labeled “TANK”, where it accumulates while the engine is not running. The second canister fitting with the inscription “PURGE” is connected by a tube to the canister purge valve, and the third with the inscription “AIR” is connected to the atmosphere.


1 – AIR vent fitting, 2 – TANK fitting for the tube for supplying fuel vapors from the tank to the canister, 3 – PURGE fitting for the tube for removing fuel vapors from the adsorber to the valve

It looks more clear as follows.

The car is parked. The gasoline in the tank gradually evaporates, increasing the pressure. Excess pressure is released along the path - gravity valve-adsorber-atmospheric fitting of the adsorber.

That is, the pressure is released into the atmosphere, but fuel vapors condense on the activated carbon of the adsorber.

When the engine is stopped, the purge solenoid valve is closed, and in this case the adsorber does not communicate with the intake manifold.

When the engine is running, the ECU, controlling the solenoid valve, purges the adsorber with fresh air due to the vacuum in the intake manifold. That is, vapors are sucked out of the adsorber, and fresh air enters the adsorber through the atmospheric fitting.

Gasoline vapors are mixed with air and discharged into the intake manifold behind the throttle and then enter the engine cylinders.

Therefore, the adsorber can be figuratively compared to a self-cleaning sump filter.

How does the adsorber valve work?

Many people mistakenly believe that when the engine starts, voltage is immediately applied to the canister valve and it opens, purging the canister. I even saw “manuals” and “training videos” about this. In fact, the purge valve is controlled by the ECU using special algorithms based on readings from temperature, air flow, etc. sensors.

The greater the engine air consumption, the longer the duration of the ECU control pulses and the more intense the purging.

It is impulses, and not just the supply of voltage! Therefore, there is such a thing as “adsorber purge duty cycle,” which ranges from 0% to 100%.

Here is the duty cycle of the canister purge in the Chevrolet Explorer diagnostic program. During the entire trip, this is only the first signal from the ECU to purge, equal to only 6%.

The adsorber valve can be figuratively compared to a water valve rather than a valve. That is, the adsorber valve does not just open/close, but regulates the intensity of gas passage.

Adsorber malfunctions

A faulty adsorber can lead to two of the most common problems:

1. Since the adsorber is directly connected to the pressure in the gas tank, if it malfunctions, you may hear popping noises in the gas tank, and you may also hear a characteristic hissing sound when you unscrew the filler cap.

2. If the canister valve is faulty, very unstable idle may occur. Especially when warming up. This is exactly the case I diagnosed in this video.

How to check the adsorber valve

The principle of checking on most cars is the same, but we will look at the example of the Chevrolet Lacetti.

Problems with the canister purge valve can be divided into several main points:

  • impulses do not arrive to the valve
  • Valve coil failure
  • valve stuck open
  • valve jamming in closed position

You can check the integrity of the wiring and the functionality of the valve using both software methods and a conventional multimeter. But you can only check the valve’s tightness physically.

It is very easy to check the pulses, wiring and valve winding with the Chevrolet Explorer program, in the “mechanism control - canister purge valve test” tab. When you click on the “ON” button in the program diagram, we will see the following signals

This means that the ECU is giving a command to the valve. At the same time, the sound of clicks will emanate from the valve in time with these signals, which, in turn, means that the pulses reach the valve and the winding is intact, since the valve is activated.

By the way, if you don’t have a diagnostic adapter yet, then I advise you to definitely read the diagnostics section and purchase an adapter.

The electrical part is OK. We checked this. But to be sure that the valve is not physically jammed, it can be removed and checked. It is very easy to dismantle and it takes me no more than 30 seconds.

Two tubes and a connector with two wires are connected to the valve. The valve itself is not even screwed on, but simply inserted into its working place.

In the photo one tube has already been removed.

To remove the valve, just pull off the two tubes marked with a green and a red arrow (the red one has already been removed, and the green one is hard to see from this angle). The tubes are removed simply and easily without any clamps.

  • Then press the metal lock and unfasten the wire block (shown by the yellow arrow)
  • After this, press on the fitting shown by the red arrow and the valve will come out of its seat.

Signs of a malfunction of the control unit

First, start the engine: at idle or in cold weather, you will hear a characteristic, barely audible chirping sound. It indicates that the valve is working properly. In order not to confuse this sound with the noise from a working timing belt, sharply press the gas. The character of the chatter should not change. The following signs indicate a malfunction of the control unit:

  • lighting of the CHECK signal on the instrument panel;
  • determination of error PO441 during testing;
  • increased gasoline consumption;
  • unstable operation of the power unit when driving;
  • unstable idle;
  • increase in CO2 content;
  • a hissing sound when unscrewing the tank lid (a vacuum has appeared);
  • the appearance of a fuel smell in the cabin.

How to check the serviceability of a car adsorber - a step-by-step guide

The absorber is designed to absorb fuel vapors from the tank. This part plays an important role in the normal operation of the fuel pump and engine. A malfunction of the device causes a cascade of problems associated with the stability of the power unit. How does the failure of the auto adsorber manifest itself and how to check its serviceability?

What is it needed for

The main role of the adsorber is to capture fuel vapors. The collected vapors are condensed and sent to the intake manifold.

This solves several issues:

  • firstly, the level of hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere is reduced;
  • secondly, the fuel tank is ventilated and the state of rarefaction in it is eliminated;
  • thirdly, engine operation is stabilized and gasoline consumption is reduced.

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There are several signs by which you can identify the problem:

  • floating engine speed;
  • the engine stalls at idle;
  • fuel consumption increases;
  • gasoline vapor accumulates in the tank;
  • when the power unit is heated, starting it is difficult;
  • loss of engine power at low speeds.

A car with a faulty adsorber will continue to drive, but the power unit will no longer operate stable. Operating the machine without cleaning the fuel system from gasoline vapors can lead to damage to the fuel pump.

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To identify problems in operation, it is necessary to carry out a step-by-step check:

  1. Disconnect the car's electrical network from the battery.

  2. Disconnect all tubes and wires from the device.

  3. Disconnect the purge valve.

  4. Using a vacuum tube, attach a syringe to the valve nozzle. When pressure is applied to the syringe piston, resistance should be observed, as a result of which the piston returns to its original position.

  5. Perform the same manipulation, but with the valve connected to the network. Press the plunger of the syringe and turn on the power to the valve. A “poof” should be heard as a result of the valve opening to relieve pressure.

If the valve does not open, it is beyond repair and must be replaced.

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Checking the performance of a car adsorber becomes necessary as the mileage increases. If poor engine performance or a malfunction of the purge device is detected, the device must be replaced.

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Valve check on site

You will need a tester (voltmeter, multimeter) and a screwdriver. The KPA itself is installed on the radiator frame. The device can be recognized by seeing two tubes approaching it, through which the evaporation moves. Further:

  • disconnect the electrical connector from the control unit by releasing the block lock;
  • using a multimeter, check for the presence of voltage by touching the negative (black) probe of the device to ground, and the red probe to “A” (the letter on the block connector);
  • turn on the ignition: the multimeter should show the vehicle's on-board voltage. If not, check the wiring.

How to check the adsorber valve removed from the car

You need to take a medical syringe of suitable volume, simply pull out the piston 2-3 cm and connect it to the outlet fitting. If you press on the piston, it will move with difficulty, which indicates that there is pressure in the valve. Now connect the battery to the electrical part of the control unit and press the piston again: the resistance should disappear. If this does not happen, you will have to buy a new valve.

The engine fuel system is designed to supply an optimal air-fuel mixture. One of the components of this system is an absorber, and the article discusses its structure, purpose, main malfunctions and methods for checking its performance.

There are problems, but everything is whole

Having the above symptoms, and having checked the integrity of the hoses, we move on to the adsorber valve. How to check it?

1) First of all, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery;

2) Remove the absorber (in most cases it is located on the right side of the engine near the car’s air system);

3) Now turn off the electrical power to the valve itself;

4) Remove the hoses (inlet and outlet);

5) Then we try to blow air into the system through the valve (into the holes for the hoses);

6) If it is working, then when the power is removed from it, it will be blocked, i.e. You won't be able to blow it out;

7) Check further. We connect two wires from the battery to the power contacts on the valve. At the same time, you should hear an opening sound (click);

8) When connected to the source, we try to blow air into it. It should work without problems, if not, then it is closed;

9) Reset the power, if it closes again, then it is 100% working.

By checking the adsorber valve in this way, you can determine its performance at almost 100%. Of course, there may be nuances in which this will be more difficult, but the principle is the same everywhere. Thus, we have described in detail how to check this device.

If it is faulty, then you need to buy a new one - the cost is about 2000 rubles, so before you immediately change it, check it. If the problems lie in the operation of the electronic control unit, then this is a completely different story and everything becomes much more complicated.

Now a short video of a VAZ engine.

I’ll finish here, read our AUTOBLOG.

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Device

Engines with distributed fuel injection first appeared on front-wheel drive Ladas, starting with the 2111 model. They differ greatly from their carburetor predecessors in a more complex power system design. It consists of 2 subsystems: fuel supply to the fuel rail and gasoline vapor recovery. One of the components of the latter is the adsorber in the VAZ-2114.

A solenoid valve is placed on top of the plastic cylinder and is controlled by the engine control unit. This part is removable and secured with plastic latches. The valve body is rectangular, and there are 2 fittings (inlet and outlet) and a connector for connecting the ECU.

The hoses are secured to the fittings using clamps. The incoming one is connected to the gravity valve and then to the separator and the gasoline tank. The outlet is connected to the throttle valve assembly.

What can break - malfunctions

Symptoms of a system malfunction are often associated with two parts - a purge limiter, or an adsorber sensor (price from 350 rubles).

On a Priora car, signs of a system malfunction may be as follows: While the engine is idling, the speed fluctuates. The ECU must supply the correct amount of fuel to the injector to make its operation stable. Due to a lack of data (the sensor does not work), the ECU “goes astray”.

Fuel consumption has increased. In VAZ-2170 cars there may be several reasons for increased fuel consumption. The same bad gasoline familiar to all drivers creates a real troubleshooting puzzle. Therefore, the gasoline vapor recovery system may not be related to the breakdown - pay attention to other signs of malfunction.

Operating principle

So, what does the process of purging the adsorber in a VAZ 2114 look like? When the car is parked, gasoline from the tank evaporates and first enters the separator. There, some of the vapor turns into liquid and flows back. The remaining gaseous fuel, moving along the line, enters a sealed adsorber. Activated carbon absorbs vapors and holds them until the engine starts.

Why is an adsorber needed on a VAZ-2114?

The main purpose of the fuel vapor recovery subsystem and adsorber as a component of this system is to make the car less harmful to the environment and to comply with international environmental standards Euro-2 and Euro-3.

The adsorber does not affect the technical characteristics of the VAZ-2114 in any way. It is designed to prevent gasoline vapors from leaving the power system circuits. This measure allows you to use the fuel supply a little more efficiently. There will be no savings like when using forced idle, but you can drive 1-2 kilometers during long-term operation.

Is it possible to remove the adsorber from the car and drive?

Many drivers claim that if you remove the adsorber, this will be a more cost-effective solution than replacing it. Even some said that this directly affected the reduction in gasoline consumption.

Undoubtedly, the adsorber is a necessary thing in a car, but during the production of cars, the developers claimed that it would not need to be replaced and could last until the end of the car’s service life. But as it turned out, this is a pure scam and it often gets clogged and malfunctions.

The most noticeable manifestation when a malfunction makes itself known is the smell of gasoline. That's why there were a lot of people turning it off. Why and why is not clear, because after a breakdown it can always be replaced with a new one. Dismantling the device will not have a positive effect on engine operation, fuel consumption will certainly not be reduced, and cleaning the fuel mixture will be much worse. Therefore, it is recommended to leave everything in its place, and if it breaks, replace the device.

Removal and installation

Dismantling of the part is carried out according to the following algorithm:

Step 1. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the battery and block the wheels using the parking brake (“put the handbrake on”).

Step 2. Remove the wire from the adsorber valve (VAZ-2114).

Step 3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the clamps and remove the hoses from the fittings. The latter are made of plastic and break easily.

Step 4. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the latch on the valve body and remove it.

Step 5. Loosen the clamp securing the adsorber body and pull out the latter.

Step 6. Unscrew the 3 nuts securing the front shock absorber from the side of the expansion tank and remove the plate on which the adsorber is attached. This step is only necessary if the part is completely removed from the power system.

Malfunctions, symptoms and solutions

Due to the extreme simplicity of the design, the adsorber in the VAZ-2114 has two malfunctions: it is clogged or the solenoid valve does not work. If this part breaks, the following problems may appear in the operation of the car:

  • Unstable engine operation at idle (speeds fluctuate). To check, you need to disconnect the hose between the throttle assembly and the purge valve and plug it. A candle, for example. If the engine speed does not become normal, then the adsorber is clogged.
  • When you unscrew the gas tank cap, you hear a hissing sound or gasoline vapors squeeze it out of the filler neck.
  • Poor acceleration due to decreased pressure in the fuel line. If the purge valve is faulty, atmospheric air does not enter the tank. This leads to the fact that when the engine is running, a vacuum is created in the gas tank, interfering with the operation of the fuel rail. Also, a strong vacuum can lead to the tank being severely deformed by the force of atmospheric pressure.
  • No repetitive clicking noises during overclocking.

Checking the adsorber. 3 ways to check the adsorber

Many car owners may be interested in the question of how to check the adsorber and its purge valve when the diagnostics showed it to be faulty (an absorber error popped up).

It is quite possible to make such a diagnosis in a garage, however, for this it will be necessary to dismantle either the entire adsorber or just its valve.

And to carry out such a test, you will need metalworking tools, a multifunctional multimeter (to measure the insulation value and the “continuity” of the wires), a pump, and a 12 V power source (or a similar battery).

What is an adsorber and what is its operating principle?

To understand why an adsorber and absorber are needed, you need to dive into the theoretical part of the devices and understand how the device works.

Gasoline engines have a system that minimizes the release of fuel mixture vapors into the environment. In a car, the adsorber valve is one of the main elements that prevents the entry of fuel mixture vapors.

An adsorber is something like an air purification element and is a regular container that is filled with activated carbon, which acts as a filter. It is connected directly to the fuel tank using tubes.

The main cleaning work is carried out by the separator. The vapors that are formed from the fuel mixture enter it.

The work of the adsorber is that not all vapors have time to get into the separator and therefore are sent to the adsorber in the car.

How to replace lamps on a Touareg?

The adsorber device allows the received vapors to pass through the filled activated carbon, and after their accumulation, go directly to the intake manifold.

When the valve opens, air enters, which mixes with the vapors of the fuel mixture and goes into the intake manifold of the car. This is how the adsorber is purged. Below is a diagram of the adsorber device.

Fuel vapors can only be absorbed when the engine is turned off. When the engine is running, the ECU opens the canister valve and performs ventilation.

The condensate that has managed to accumulate passes from the adsorber valve directly into the internal combustion engine and is burned out.

The job of the adsorber valve is to provide ventilation and also direct condensate into the internal combustion engine.

Pros and cons of the device

Like any other unit, the adsorber has its own positive and negative qualities that the car enthusiast should know about:

1. Advantages:

  • No harmful fuel vapors enter the atmosphere.
  • Fuel is saved because the vapors do not escape into the atmosphere, but return back to the engine for combustion.
  • The unpleasant smell of gasoline disappears from the passenger compartment (this effect does not always occur).

2. Disadvantages:

  • The adsorber has a substantial size, so it takes up a certain space under the hood.
  • The engine operates unstably, and “swimming” occurs at idle (one of the main signs of a failed adsorber).
  • High price. Installing an adsorber increases the cost of the car.
  • Risk of the tank cap “shooting out”. This is possible in the event of a breakdown of the adsorber and prolonged accumulation of fuel gases in a confined space.
  • Risk of deformation of the fuel pump. Ignoring the failure of the device also leads to this problem.
  • Risk of accumulation of a flammable mixture in the intake manifold due to the inability of the adsorber to perform its functions. As a result, the stability of the motor is disrupted.

Symptoms of a problem

The canister purge valve may break down because the canister device is in constant operation. Its breakdown can affect the operation of the engine to the point where the engine requires repair. In the early stages, the breakdown manifests itself in increased fuel consumption, as well as loss of power. If the valve malfunctions, it can also damage the vehicle's fuel pump.

Complete removal of the adsorber from the power system

Some VAZ 2114 owners decide to completely remove this part from their car for reasons of savings and to prevent future malfunctions. There are two ways to do this.

Method 1. After completely removing the adsorber from the VAZ-2114, the hose leading to the throttle valve assembly is closed using a plug. A fuel filter from any VAZ carburetor engine is inserted into the hose running from the gas tank to the adsorber.

Method 2. The adsorber is removed along with the support. The hoses previously connected to it are closed using plugs. A small hole (1-2 mm) is drilled in the standard gas tank plug to connect the cavity to the atmosphere. You can also use the cap from a carburetor “eight” or “nine” to depressurize the fuel tank.

After upgrading the power system, it may be necessary to update the firmware of the engine control unit, since it will perceive the absence of an adsorber as a malfunction in the engine and switch to emergency operation. This threatens to significantly reduce the traction qualities of the car.

The adsorber in the VAZ-2114 is an important element in the engine power system, which allows you to slightly reduce fuel consumption and eliminate the smell of gasoline in the cabin.

Instructions for checking and independently replacing the canister purge valve on LADA Samara 2114, 2113, 2115 cars.

To perform work on replacing and checking the adsorber purge valve you will need:


  1. Disconnect the wiring block from the canister purge valve.

  2. We connect the negative probe of the multimeter to the “ground” of the car
  3. Turn on the ignition and check the supply voltage at terminal A of the wire block. The voltage should be 12V. If the voltage is less or absent, you need to check the battery charge, the health of the power circuit and the serviceability of the computer.
  4. Loosen the clamp securing the hose to the valve and remove the hose. In this case, you need to make sure that the hose does not break off.
  5. Using a screwdriver, remove the valve from the adsorber.
  6. To check the functionality of the valve, you need to apply 12V voltage to the valve terminals. The plus goes to pin A, and the minus goes to pin B. After power is applied, the valve should open with a characteristic click. If this does not happen, the valve must be replaced.
  7. Before installing a new valve, check the O-ring. A damaged ring must be replaced.
  8. We install the new valve in place in the reverse order.

Valve repair

Checking and purging the valve

The first signs that the Kalina adsorber needs to be repaired are the appearance of a persistent smell of gasoline in the car interior and difficulties that arise during draining the fuel. For repairs, it is necessary to remove the adsorber and disassemble it. Since the device is usually solid, for disassembly you will need to cut off the cover. This can be easily done with a regular file. After repair work has been carried out and replacement of the main parts, the cover is usually simply sealed. For complete sealing, the seams are treated with resin. The resin dries within 12 hours. After this, it can be lightly sanded to bring the filter into proper shape.

Spent and unusable coal is poured out of the adsorber. Foam rubber is suitable as intermediate filters. Remove the old filters and replace them with new ones, prepared in advance. Some craftsmen believe that foam rubber is not particularly effective and will allow all the dirt and coal to pass through, so filters can be made from felt. You can place a piece of cotton fabric between the device and the felt, which will prevent small threads from getting into the system. The resulting gaskets are glued to the base and treated with sealant.

New coal can be obtained from gas mask boxes. It is important that it is completely dry, so dry it thoroughly before adding it to the system.

When the dry coal is filled in, felt filters are installed again. All the plates and springs are put in place, and then the filter itself. As can be seen from the above, it is not difficult to diagnose and repair the Kalina absorber valve; you can do it yourself. Good luck!

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