Questions and Answers

Ford Escort DTC P1443 Q. Hello Vincent, The "Service Engine Soon" light is on in my 1997 Ford Escort. The scanner displays code P1443 (MFG Specific DTC).According to a previous question from an Escort owner with the same situation, you described a procedure to check the Idle Air Control Valve. I followed your recommendation and found the valve to operate okay electrically, but it was dirty along with the throttle body.

I cleaned the valve and throttle body, reset the computer, and the service light has come on again after about 125 miles with the same code.

There are no other symptoms that I can detect. The engine runs and idles fine and does not appear to be slow to return to idle after goosing the throttle.

Is there anything else I might check? Would you recommend replacing the IACV? Your table of OBD-II codes lists "Small Or No Purge Flow Condition" for code P1443. What exactly does this refer to?

• 1997 Ford Escort Wagon
• 2.0 liter 4 cylinder
• Manual transmission
• 78,000 miles
• Fuel Injection

Thank you for your help,
Dave

A. DTC P1443 indicates a mechanical fault in the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge Flow System. Nine times out of ten this code is due to a loose gas cap. So that would be the first thing to check.

The other things you can look for are pinched, plugged, blocked, cracked, cut or disconnected vapor hoses between the fuel tank and carbon canister. Check for a cracked or broken carbon canister or fitting(s).

Other than that, you will need a scan tool to check the EVAP valves, sensors and electrical wiring.