EN

Severity: Low Code type: Manufacturer-specific (Nissan)

Nissan P1444 Code: EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve

Nissan's ECM sees fuel vapor flowing to the engine while the purge valve is supposed to be shut.

At a glance

Severity: 2/5 – Low2/5

Severity: Low

Meaning
EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve
System
Emission Controls · Powertrain
Safe to drive?
Yes, short term
Typical repair cost
$90–$800
DIY difficulty
Moderate

The purge volume control solenoid valve meters fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into the intake manifold, pulsing open and closed on the ECM's command. On the Nissans that use P1444, mostly older Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder models, the ECM watches the EVAP control system pressure sensor during a self-test: if it sees vacuum building in the EVAP system while the purge valve is commanded fully closed, it concludes the valve is leaking or stuck open and sets P1444. A valve jammed by charcoal granules from a failing canister is a well-known Nissan pattern, so replacing the valve alone doesn't always stop the code from coming back.

Can I keep driving? Safe to drive; it's an emissions fault. A purge valve stuck open can cause hard starts right after refueling and a rough idle, so fix it before it becomes a stalling problem or you're due for an emissions test.

How to read P1444

How to read P1444P11243444
  1. P Powertrain
  2. 1 Manufacturer-specific
  3. 4 Auxiliary emission controls
  4. 44 Specific fault

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Hard start or long cranking right after filling up
  • Rough or hunting idle, occasional stall at stops
  • Fuel smell near the engine bay (less common)
  • Pump nozzle clicking off early if the canister is saturated

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Purge volume control solenoid valve stuck open or leaking internally 42%
  2. Charcoal canister breaking down and sending granules into the purge line and valve 18%
  3. EVAP control system pressure sensor giving a false vacuum reading 16%
  4. EVAP canister vent control valve stuck closed or blocked 12%
  5. Wiring or connector fault at the purge valve (valve powered when it shouldn't be) 8%
  6. Canister saturated with fuel from topping off the tank 4%

Diagnosis step by step

Diagnostic flow: P14441Read codes and freeze frame2Blow-through test on the purge valve3Check solenoid resistance andcontrol4Look for charcoal granules5Verify vent valve and pressuresensor6Clear and confirm

  1. Read codes and freeze frame

    Note whether P1444 appears alone or with P0441, lean codes or vent valve codes. Check the freeze frame for idle speed and coolant temperature so you can repeat the test conditions.

    Tools: OBD-II scanner

  2. Blow-through test on the purge valve

    With the engine off, disconnect the hose from the intake side of the purge valve and try to blow through it or apply vacuum with a hand pump. Unpowered, it must hold vacuum; if air passes, the valve is stuck open.

    Tools: Vacuum gauge, Pliers

  3. Check solenoid resistance and control

    Measure the coil resistance at the valve connector; on most Nissan purge valves it is in the range of roughly 15 to 30 ohms. With a scan tool's active test the valve should click as the duty cycle changes, and with the engine at idle and no command it should be fully closed.

    Tools: Multimeter, OBD-II scanner

  4. Look for charcoal granules

    Pull the purge hose at the canister side and inspect the inside of the hose and valve ports for black grains. Granules mean the canister is breaking apart; replace canister and valve together and blow the line out with low-pressure shop air.

    Tools: Flashlight, Pliers

  5. Verify vent valve and pressure sensor

    Confirm the vent control valve at the canister is open when unpowered and that air passes freely through its filter. With the fuel cap off and key on, the EVAP pressure sensor should read atmospheric; a reading showing vacuum with the tank open points to the sensor.

    Tools: OBD-II scanner, Multimeter

  6. Clear and confirm

    Clear the code and complete a drive cycle with a cold start and several minutes at steady cruise. The EVAP monitor must complete without P1444 returning before the car goes for an emissions test.

    Tools: OBD-II scanner

Where the parts are

EVAP system: gas cap, canister, purge and vent valves – P1444123456
EVAP system: gas cap, canister, purge and vent valves
  1. 1Gas cap
  2. 2Charcoal canister
  3. 3Purge valve
  4. 4Vent valve
  5. 5Fuel pump
  6. 6Intake manifold

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Replace purge volume control solenoid valve Yes $90–$250
Replace EVAP canister vent control valve Yes $120–$300
Replace EVAP control system pressure sensor Yes $120–$320
Replace charcoal canister plus purge valve and flush lines No $350–$800

Rough US estimates for parts and labor; shop rates vary by region. Not a quote.

Emissions / smog test impact

Will fail

P1444 sets the check engine light and the EVAP monitor won't show ready, so the car fails an OBD emissions or smog inspection until the repair is done and the monitor completes.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I only have trouble starting right after I fill up?

Filling the tank pushes a lot of vapor into the canister. If the purge valve is stuck open, that vapor pours into the intake while you crank, making the mixture too rich to start easily.

I replaced the purge valve and P1444 came back. Why?

The most common reason on Nissans is a crumbling charcoal canister: its granules travel down the purge line and jam the new valve. Check the hose for black grains and replace the canister if you find any.

Can a gas cap cause P1444?

Not usually. Cap problems cause leak codes such as P0455. P1444 is about vapor flowing when the purge valve should be closed.

Is P1444 used on newer Nissans?

Newer Nissans tend to report purge problems with generic codes such as P0441 or P0443. Check your model's service information to confirm what the code means on your vehicle.

Sources