Purge Valve Replacement Cost

Last Updated on December 12, 2022
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The purge valve is part of the EVAP system. The Evaporation Emission Control System (EVAP) prevents fuel vapor from your vehicle’s fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere and into the vehicle’s cab.

It captures fuel vapors from the tank and stores them temporarily in a container. In some cases, the fuel vapor is removed from the container and burned in the engine. This is where the purge valve comes in. It accurately controls the amount of fuel vapor that is purged from the container. Driving with a bad purge valve is certainly possible, but it can damage your engine.

How Much Does a Purge Valve Replacement Cost?

If you are thinking about hiring a professional to replace a purge valve, you should plan on spending anywhere between $135 and $250 on average. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, you will have to pay anywhere between $75 and $140 for the parts, while the labor cost will be anywhere between $50 and $95. This job takes less than one hour.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a valve job, valve cover gasket replacement, and carbon buildup cleaning.

For example, you can purchase a canister purge valve part from Amazon for $25 to $55.

According to a member of the Audizine online forum, the cost to replace a purge valve at a local Audi dealer is around $220, while another member of the same forum said that he had to pay only $125.

In the table below you will find the average costs of a purge valve replacement, including expenses for the parts and the repair, for different types of cars.

Canister purge valve replacement details

The purge valve can be found in two different locations, depending on the type of vehicle. First, it can be placed on the engine intake next to the throttle body on the left side if you look at the engine from the front of the vehicle. The second location is behind the fuel tank under the vehicle.

If the purge valve is on the engine, the replacement time is shorter, closer to about 30 to 45 minutes. The inlet tube should be removed so that it can be accessed. If the purge valve is located next to the fuel tank, replacing it would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What are the extra costs?

You may need to replace the electrical connector or/and hoses that are attached to the valves. In general, the cost of these parts is not included in the estimates we presented above.

Important things to consider

The most common problem with the purge valve is when it gets stuck or does not close completely. This may cause the onboard computer to illuminate the “Check Engine” warning light. In some vehicles, a blocked/open purge valve may make it difficult for you to start the car immediately after refueling at a gas station. The car’s engine may be running rough and may be stuck for the first few seconds. Many cars face purge valve problems.

The most common problem with the purge valve is when it gets stuck or fails to close completely. This issue may cause the “Check Engine” warning light to come on. Common error codes for this are P0441 and P0446 and other EVAP codes.

The correct way to test the purge valve can be found in the machine’s service manual. The procedure varies and depends on the make and model of the car.

A canister purge valve that does not open properly can adversely affect fuel consumption. This is because the fuel vapors will go to the EVAP canister and then escape into the atmosphere, consuming some of the fuel that your vehicle would normally use for combustion.

When a purge valve is opened, the fuel vapor is sent to the engine where it is burned. But when there is a problem with the EVAP system, such as a faulty purge valve, the smoke escapes, causing that gasoline-like odor.

How can I save money?

Go to a local AutoZone so they can scan your code for free in case your check engine light is on. When you know the code you can research yourself how much would you have to spend on repairs.

Make sure you ask for price offers from multiple mechanics and choose one that is the best for you.

In case your vehicle is still under warranty, verify the warranty agreement and see if the cost of the parts is covered. Most probably, you will be only responsible for the warranty’s deductible.