EVAP Code P0446?

1996 FORD TAURUS
167,954 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BLAZ85
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This vehicle is not driven on a daily basis and serves primarily as a back-up vehicle to my daily driver, a semi-restored 85 S-10 Blazer.
When the CEL first appeared with the P-0446 I cleared it thinking maybe it was just a fluke. The code reappeared in less than 5 miles.
I know the code points to the vent solenoid, but I also understand that there are other issues that can set this code also. Rather than throwing parts at it, I would like to do testing.
Could you provide me with the testing procedures for this code? The vehicle is a station wagon, if that matters, and engine VIN U.
Thank you in advance for your reply!
Jul 2, 2025 at 9:40 PM
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STRAILER
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Most of the time you will have a stuck EVAP vent solenoid, I would remove it to see if you can blow through it to confirm it failure, you should not be able to blow through it FYI.

P0446 - EVAP System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

Here is its location under the car, check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Jul 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
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BLAZ85
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First off, thank you for your quick response.

Well, it wasn't the vent valve solenoid per se. When I lifted the vehicle to check what you had suggested, I noticed the hose from the cannister assembly up to the tank filler neck(?) had been severed. It appears that some object flew up from the roadway and cut the hose completely in two. The cut was along a straight section and hose had plenty of slack. Upon closer inspection of the piece of hose attached to the cannister assembly, I saw that a mud dauber had built a tightly compacted mud nest about 1 inch in depth in the loose end of the hose, thereby blocking all flow. I cleaned out the nest, repaired the hose and cleared the code. I have driven the vehicle on three occasions since the repair and the code has not reset. I am assuming the nest was the problem and the problem is solved.

Thank you again for your help and have a great day!
Jul 6, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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STRAILER
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Oh yes, the famous "mud dauber". Glad you got it fixed. Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help :)
Jul 7, 2025 at 10:14 AM