OBD-II Code P1441 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P1441 is a Nissan and GM code related to the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system. On Nissan vehicles it indicates an incorrect purge flow — flow occurring when it should not, or no flow when it should. On GM vehicles it indicates a fault in the EVAP canister purge solenoid circuit. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Driveability is usually not affected, but the check engine light will come on.

Affected Models

Common in Nissan Altima, Maxima, and Sentra
Common in Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder
Common in Chevrolet Cavalier and Cobalt with GM EVAP system
Common in Pontiac Sunfire and Sunbird

Common Causes

Faulty EVAP purge solenoid valve stuck open or failing to open on command
Cracked or disconnected EVAP vacuum hose in the purge circuit
Charcoal canister saturated with liquid fuel preventing normal purge operation
Damaged wiring or connector at the EVAP purge solenoid
Faulty PCM driver circuit for the EVAP purge solenoid

How to Fix It

Locate the EVAP purge solenoid. On Nissan vehicles it is typically near the intake manifold or in the engine bay.

The solenoid is a small cylindrical valve with a vacuum line on one port and an intake manifold connection on the other.
Inspect all EVAP vacuum hoses connected to the purge solenoid for cracks, kinks, or disconnections.

Rubber hoses become brittle with age and can crack at bends or near heat sources.
Test the purge solenoid electrically. With the ignition on, check for voltage at the connector and test solenoid resistance.

Most purge solenoids have a resistance of 20–30 ohms. An open circuit or zero ohms reading indicates a failed solenoid.
Apply vacuum to the solenoid with a hand vacuum pump. It should hold vacuum when de-energized and release vacuum when powered.

If the solenoid leaks vacuum when it should be closed, it is stuck open and needs replacement.
Replace the purge solenoid if it fails the above tests. Clear codes and perform a complete EVAP drive cycle to confirm the repair.

The EVAP monitor requires specific conditions — a cold start and a full drive cycle — to complete.

When to Call a Professional

EVAP purge solenoid replacement is $30 to $100 and is a common DIY repair. EVAP hose repairs are inexpensive — usually $5 to $30 in parts. Charcoal canister replacement is $100 to $250. This is generally a low-cost repair with no urgency for driveability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will P1441 affect how my car runs?

Usually not. The EVAP system manages fuel vapors, not the fuel supply itself. In most cases the engine runs normally with P1441 and the only symptom is the check engine light. A stuck-open purge solenoid may cause a rough idle or lean condition in rare cases.

Can a loose gas cap cause P1441?

A loose gas cap is more likely to cause P0440 or P0455 (large EVAP leak) than P1441. However, all EVAP codes share the same system, so it is always worth checking the gas cap first. Tighten or replace the cap, clear the code, and see if it returns.

Is the EVAP purge solenoid the same as the EVAP vent solenoid?

No, they are different components. The purge solenoid controls how fuel vapors flow from the charcoal canister to the intake manifold. The vent solenoid controls airflow into the canister during the pressure test. Both are part of the EVAP system but perform different functions.