What Is the P043E Code?
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The exact code definition of code P043E, “EVAP System Leak Detection Reference Orifice Low Flow,” can be difficult to untangle. This code indicates that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected a low flow condition within a component of your evaporative emissions system (EVAP) that monitors for leaks. Not all vehicles have this specific leak detection element within their EVAP system, but certain manufacturers, such as Toyota, Scion, GM, Chevrolet, and Hyundai, are most likely to turn up these error codes. Toyota is an engine type that seems particularly prone to this problem, but many different engines can experience it.
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The EVAP system is part of your vehicle’s emissions management. It captures fuel vapors before they escape into the atmosphere, utilizing a vented reservoir to store them, and then moves these vapors to the engine to burn them off. In some vehicles, an electronic leak detection pump builds pressure in the system to test for leaks. This code indicates that one of the leak detection reference orifices in that electronic leak detection system indicates a low flow condition, which may indicate that the EVAP system has a leak or that the vacuum system is malfunctioning.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P043E Code?
The P043E engine code rarely results in any noticeable symptoms. The check engine light will turn on. But if you’re receiving this code by itself, it’s unlikely to give you significant symptoms, especially drivability symptoms. You might sometimes see diminished fuel economy, typical of EVAP leak detection diagnostic trouble codes.
What Are Some Causes of a P043E Code?
There are several possible causes of the P043E EVAP system code. Many of these causes will also result in other DTC codes, so being able to read all the current codes with a scan tool is critical if you want to determine the core cause. When present by itself, the code may be due to a defective EVAP pressure sensor or to a damaged or clogged EVAP leak detection orifice. The canister that holds your EVAP vapors may have ruptured, or some of your EVAP or vacuum lines may have cracked or become crushed. If the vent control or purge control solenoid has become faulty, you may also see this code alongside others. Finally, a bad leak detection pump can also send this code if it malfunctions.
How Serious Is the P043E Code?
Most EVAP leak detection codes are not extremely severe. You don’t need to pull over and stop driving your vehicle immediately. However, if an EVAP leak detection code is present, your vehicle usually won’t be able to pass an emissions test, and this code can also result in engine concerns over time. While it may not be urgent, it is something that you should handle.
Can I Still Drive with a P043E Code?
You can physically drive when the P043E code is present, especially if it’s the only code that your vehicle is throwing. However, the code does mean that you might be sending out more emissions than normal, and in some cases, you might be using more fuel than you usually would, resulting in a vehicle that’s more expensive to drive overall. Try to tackle this problem earlier rather than later. You can save some money by doing so.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P043E Code?
There are a lot of potential causes of the P043E code. One of the things you need to know how to do for this diagnosis is to recognize how other scan codes will play a part in the core problem. Diagnosing the problem can be complicated, even for people with some experience with DIYing their vehicle’s problems. Determining the exact repair steps necessary for a correct repair the first time isn’t always easy. If you’re seeing this code, it’s probably a good idea to talk to an expert for the diagnostic process.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P043E Code?
As with diagnosis, inspection can also be confusing. You need to solve any other EVAP fault codes before you solve this one. You’ll probably need to perform test drives with specialty tools, and you’ll want to know what the correct wiring harnesses and connectors look like so you can visually inspect the area and see if anything’s wrong. This code requires you to understand individual EVAP components and typical malfunction thresholds. And if you’re not confident with your ability to do them, you should talk to an expert about the problem.
Need Additional Help with Your P043E Code?
Many people will need extra help with the P043E leak detection diagnostic code. It’s often a difficult code to DIY, so experts can help you fix it if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
To start, you’ll want to find the nearest auto repair shop in your area. Finding a local shop means getting convenient and effective help to run vehicle diagnostics and determine if you have a hard-and-fast malfunction, if your EVAP sensors are off, or if there’s a different problem.
This code also almost always comes with other codes as well. The OBD-II database at KBB.com allows you to gain extra knowledge about these other codes.
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