Where Is the Canister Purge Valve Located?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 9th, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summary
  • The canister purge valve is typically in the engine bay attached to the engine or the intake manifold.
  • It’s part of the EVAP that collects vapors and releases them into the engine to burn.
  • Check the top of the engine near the carburetor or throttle body to find the purge valve.

Q: Where Is the Canister Purge Valve Typically Located?

A: The canister purge valve is typically located inside the engine bay, where it can be found attached to either the engine or the intake manifold. It’s often on a hose that runs from the intake to the canister. The purge valve can also be found near the fuel tank in certain vehicles.

The EVAP system consists of a canister that stores fuel vapor, a purge valve, and usually a vent valve for leak detection. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How To Access the Canister Purge Valve

To find the canister purge valve, you can check on top of the engine near the carburetor or throttle body. Once you locate the purge valve, you can remove it by simply unscrewing it from the engine. If you’re having a difficult time finding it, try to follow the hoses from the intake manifold until you locate the purge valve.

Various types of canister purge valves | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

There are a few parts you might need to move before accessing the canister purge valve. For instance, in the case of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, the canister purge valve is located underneath the air intake manifold, meaning you need to disconnect the manifold before reaching the purge valve. Compare that to the canister purge valves in the 2013-2016 Ford Escapes. These can be found next to the air intake below instead of beneath the manifold,  and they’re much easier to access.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning on replacing your purge valve, the first thing you need to do is buy one for your vehicle. This way, you’ll know what you’re looking for.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

View Comments

  • Q: Where Is the Canister Purge Valve Typically Located?
    A: As part of the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP), the canister purge valve bars fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Instead, the purge valve collects these vapors and, once enough pressure builds, releases them into the engine to burn.

    The sentence: "the purge valve collects these vapors" is incorrect. It should correctly, read the EVAP "Canister" collects these vapors. The purge "valve" releases the vapors into the engine, but the "valve" does not collect the vapors.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Tags: purge-valve