How To Test The EVAP Purge Solenoid (1999-2003 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to test the EVAP purge solenoid on the 1999-2003 V8 equipped Chevrolet Silverado (Suburban, Tahoe) and GMC Sierra (Yukon, Yukon XL).

All of the test steps are explained in a step-by-step way. You'll easily find out if the EVAP purge solenoid is bad or not.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Solenoide De Purga EVAP (1999-2003 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

Chevrolet:

• Silverado (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Silverado (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Suburban (1500):
  • 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Suburban (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Tahoe:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

GMC:

• Sierra (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Sierra (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Yukon:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Yukon XL (1500):
  • 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Yukon XL (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

RELATED TROUBLE CODES:

• P0443 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Chevrolet Sierra, GMC Sierra).

The following tutorial will help you test the EVAP vent solenoid:

• How To Test The EVAP Vent Solenoid (1999-2002 V8 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra).

Symptoms Of A Bad EVAP Purge Solenoid

The canister purge solenoid is an emissions control component of the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system of your V8 equipped Chevrolet Silverado (GMC Sierra).

The purpose of the EVAP system is to reduce the evaporative emissions pollution that is produced by the fuel vapors released by the gasoline stored in the fuel tank.

The EVAP system does this by trapping and then recirculating this fuel vapor into the engine (so that it can be used as fuel). This prevents the fuel vapor from being released into the air (environment).

The component responsible for 'purging' the fuel vapor in the EVAP system into the engine (to be used as fuel) is the EVAP purge solenoid.

How? It does so by acting as the switch that allows the fuel vapor stored in the EVAP carbon canister into the engine.

To be a bit more specific, the EVAP purge solenoid is in an OFF state most of the time. In this OFF state, the EVAP purge solenoid prevents fuel vapor stored in the EVAP carbon canister from entering the intake manifold.

When the fuel injection computer commands the EVAP purge solenoid ON, it opens and lets the fuel vapors stored in the EVAP carbon canister into the intake manifold.

When the EVAP purge solenoid fails, it'll usually not be able to open and permit the fuel vapor to enter the intake manifold (when commanded ON by the fuel injection computer).

A bad EVAP purge solenoid usually doesn't cause any engine performance problems or drive-ability issues.

Generally you'll only see one or more of the following symptoms:

1. The check engine light will be illuminated by one of the following trouble codes:
   • P0443: EVAP System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction.
2. Pressure in the gas tank when you remove the gas tank cap.
3. Your Silverado (Sierra) fails the emissions test.
4. Difficulty filling up the gas tank with fuel.

You can find a more detailed explanation of the P0443 EVAP purge solenoid trouble code here:

• P0443 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra).

Where To Buy The EVAP Purge Solenoid

The AC-Delco brand is the original equipment (O.E.) part for your Chevrolet Silverado (GMC Sierra). Dorman is another trusted brand.

The following links will help you comparison shop for the EVAP purge solenoid:

What Tools Do I Need?

To test the EVAP purge solenoid, you'll need:

• A multimeter.
• Two jumper wires with insulated alligator clips.

The insulated alligator clips will help you avoid shorting the jumper wires together when connecting them to the male spade terminal of the EVAP purge solenoid when bench-testing it.

You'll need hand tools to remove the EVAP purge solenoid from its place underneath your Chevrolet Silverado (GMC Sierra).

TEST 1: Making Sure That The EVAP Purge Solenoid Is Getting Power

For our first test, we're gonna' make sure that the EVAP purge solenoid is getting 10 to 12 Volts.

The wire that supplies this voltage is the pink (PNK) wire of its 2-wire connector.

In the photo above, the female terminal labeled with the letter A is the one that connects to the PNK wire.

OK, let's start:

1. 1

   Disconnect the EVAP purge solenoid from its connector.

2. 2

   Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.

3. 3

   Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) post.

4. 4

   Have your helper turn the key to the RUN position but don't crank or start the engine.

5. 5

   With the red multimeter test lead, gently probe the terminal labeled with the letter A.
   
   Terminal A is the one that connects to the PNK wire.

6. 6

   The multimeter should register 10 to 12 Volts.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: 10 to 12 Volts DC are present. This is the correct and expected test result.

The next step is to go to: TEST 2: Making Sure The EVAP Solenoid Is Blocking Fuel Vapor Intake.

CASE 2: The indicated voltage is not present. Without power, the EVAP purge solenoid will not function.

This is usually caused by one of two things:

• The ENG 1 (1999-2002) or the PCM 1 (2003) fuse is blown in the underhood fuse box.
• There's an open-circuit problem in the wiring between the EVAP purge solenoid's connector and the underhood fuse box.

Your next step is to check the fuse and retest for the presence of 10 to 12 Volts in terminal A.