Chrysler Repair: 2004 Sebring Sedan 4cyl - P0441, vacuum leak detection, leak detection system

Question
Hello Sir,

I recently started receiving code P0441 intermittently.  It will go off for months, and come back.  No problem, but this time -- I have to take it for inspection.

I read up, and see that it may be related to the purge valve or solenoid.  Could you assist in telling me what I should look for first?  I assume hoses.. but where are these parts located on a 2004?

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Jason,
The latest manual I have for the 4 cyl. Sebring is 2003 and in that year there were possibly two different types of evaporative emission systems leak detection set-ups. The earlier type uses a leak detection pump (LDP) and the newer type uses a so-called natural vacuum leak detection system (NVLD). The main devices in both systems are located on the fuel tank and so most of the hoses are in that area, except for the hose that recycles the fumes to the intake manifold. The earlier system is associated with a separate computer (SBEC) for the engine and the transmission (TCM), and the later for a single unit (called the next generation controller or NGC).
I would suggest first determining which type of controller or alternately emission system you have on the car. You can do that by checking with a Chrysler dealer parts department and giving them the the year/engine/VIN by which they should be able to tell you how your system is equipped. Then once that is known, there is a specific set of steps to go through to ascertain the solution of the problem, which is different depending upon which system you have. I can xerox copy the procedural steps and also a description and drawing of the specific system and with that in hand you should be able to sort out the cause of the P0441 code. The procedures, if done according to the "book", involve the use of a diagnostic readout box, but the specific remedies involve inspecting various hoses/parts which you could do regardless of the absence of a drb to work with.
So look into the details about which system you have and then tell me and let me know a postal mailing address and I will send you the appropriate pages.
Roland
PS If the pages number more than 8 I would appreciate your sending me back several 42-cent stamps to cover my copy and postage costs, but I will let you know once we have a better idea of exactly what I will be sending to you.

Roland