The evaporative emission control system prevents hydrocarbon (HC) vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere where they could form photochemical smog. Gasoline vapors are collected in the charcoal canister. The ECM controls the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) to purge any collected vapors from the canister back to the engine for combustion. This valve is actuated by the purge control signal from the ECM and controls fuel vapor flow from the canister to the intake manifold.

ECM sets DTC P0444 if the ECM detects that the PCSV control circuit is open.