Last weekend I got my 2000 Forester (non-turbo) engine back together after replacing the head gaskets (I did the work myself). It runs great, but the check engine light came on right away, and I just had my mechanic put his code reader on it- shows Evap Purge Solenoid Circuit Open. I'm pretty sure I solidly reconnected everything on the intake manifold, but maybe I missed something else. Ideas anyone? Thanks! (ps- I found this site: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0443, still not 100% sure what I should look for, and where exactly is the purge solenoid in the engine compartment?)

Edited April 18, 201015 yr by bbenton8

Look at the emissions label pasted to the underside of the hood for a general idea of the location. The EVAP purge solenoid is usually mounted at the intake manifold, under the runner for cylinder #3 (passenger side, rear). Since it's a little hidden, it wouldn't surprise me if the electrical connection was accidentally left off.

Very easy to leave this one unplugged. It's hard enough to see, and even harder to get to when it's mounted in the place it's supposed to be.

I moved mine because I broke it trying to replace the vacuum hoses on it. It's tucked away pretty good under the runners of the intake on the passenger side. I just cut a piece of plumbers tape about 6 inches long and attached it to the intake, ran it up between the runners and bolted the solenoid to that up on top.

In case anyone isn't familiar with "plumber's tape" (or thinks it's used to stop leaks ), see: http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/2550/255038_300.jpg

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have a look this afternoon after work. Sounds like I'd have been much better off catching this (if it is disconnected) while I was re-installing the intake manifold.

Yep! took a look & found the solenoid connection, without the electrical plug. Fished the plug up & connected. Not really any problem at all. Took a several mile drive, disconnected battery ground for a little while, when I started it up the check engine light was blessedly dark. Thanks for the help!

You're welcome, and congrats! I'm glad it wasn't difficult to get at.

Simple is always good when it comes to car repairs.