Questions and Answers

Bad Toyota Camry Purge Valve Q. I have a 1999 Toyota Camry CE with 42,100 miles on it. Dealer told me the Purge Valve is bad. Check Engine Light came on and remained on. $199.00 to replace it. What is a purge valve and why does it go bad, etc? Is it really that expensive? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!! Ivan Cleveland, OH

A. The Purge Valve is an emission control device and should be covered under the 5 year/50,000 mile emissions warranty mandated by Federal law. I would check with the dealer and, if they don't give you a satisfactory answer, call Toyota Customer Service and talk to them about it. File a complaint and request an appointment with the District Factory Representative.

Here is the information on the EVAP System and Purge Control Valve.

EVAP System Description:
In this Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Control System, purge flow occurs during non-closed throttle Conditions. Purge volume is related to air intake volume. Under normal purge Conditions (non-closed throttle), the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve is open to admit purge flow. Purge flow exposes the EVAP control system pressure sensor to intake manifold vacuum.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
This system controls flow rate of fuel vapor from the EVAP canister. The opening of the vapor by-pass passage in the EVAP canister purge control solenoid valve changes to control the flow rate. The EVAP canister purge control solenoid valve repeats ON/OFF operation according to the signal sent from the ECM. The opening of the valve varies for optimum engine control. The optimum value stored in the ECM is determined by considering various engine conditions. When the engine is operating, the flow rate of fuel vapor from the EVAP canister is regulated as the air flow changes.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION:
The EVAP canister purge control solenoid valve uses a ON/OFF duty to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the EVAP canister. The EVAP canister purge control solenoid valve is moved by ON/OFF pulses from the ECM. The longer the ON pulse, the greater the amount of fuel vapor that will flow through the valve.