P0449 - EVAP vent valve solenoid help?

k.electron · 06-23-2010, 06:38 PM

I have a 2004 Kia Spectra LX newstyle with about 75k miles on it.

It has relatively new belts and brakes and is serviced well. Recently i noticed the check engine light was on, and doing the free diagnostic at AutoZone revealed code P0449.

The exact reading is

EVAP emission system - vent valve solenoid circuit
Probable cause:
1 - Open or short circuit condition
2 - Poor electrical connection
3 - Faulty EVAP vent valve

The engine works fine and there is no stuttering or weird sounds.

I would like to minimize what I have to pay to a mechanic so if someone could explain the following, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. Where are these parts located? can i get to them and perform some quick tests using a light bulb to identify the exact cause before i take it to a mechanic?
2. What is the estimated cost that i can expect from a mechanic? lets assume a best case and worst case scenario?

Thanks.

pulsar86 · 06-23-2010, 08:43 PM

,The unit is in front of left front wheel under the spashguard behind the louvres. Once you remove the inner guard plastic splashguard you will see, check connections to valve solenoid. Don't know of costs to get checked. see attachment for evap system or go to www.kiatechinfo.com register for free , go to shop section and view section and test procedures in manual for SPECTRA LD 2004. engine fuel evap system. Your car is the same as my 2005 Cerato pictured below left.

k.electron · 06-24-2010, 10:25 AM

that is a great resource. thanks for helping me out.

i registered at kiatechinfo and it looks like the vent valve is with the charcoal canister right above the fuel tank. i also found a video with a how to on testing the EVAP vent valve, and here it is

YouTube - EVAP System Operation

so my question is what do i need to open up to access that part just above the fuel tank.

Thanks for taking time out again.

pulsar86 · 06-24-2010, 11:37 AM

I think you might be right , for some reason I was thinking left front, I havn't had to locate it on my car yet because it has given no problems at all. You should be able to get at top of tank by lifting rear seat base and access panel, sorry to mislead you. Can anyone please confirm position of canister and solenoid valve, much appreciated thanks.

scarabY2k · 11-12-2011, 01:55 PM

Subscribing to thread.
My daughter's '04 Spectra is having this same issue. I'm gonna do some more digging, in hopes to find a DIY Thread on how to do this. Guess a Haynes manual would be of some kind of help too.

Will keep you posted.

zccrex · 11-23-2011, 11:36 AM

i had the same problem on my 07. if it's the same set-up it's on the top of the backside of the tank. you have to drop the tank to get to it and be careful once you are ready to pull it off because there's a weird clip holding it on and you'll bend it up if you try to force it off. also there's a plastic twist lock connecting it to a vent line and it's pretty easy to break. you can get the part from any kia dealership for like $10-15.