How do you correct code P1443 on a 96 Ford Ranger?

Answer 1

This is a code for the evaporative system which includes a black plastic container in the front of the engine comopartment that has hoses going to the tank and the throtle body. When it isn't running the fumes from the tank accumulate in this charcoal filled container and when the engine starts, they are burned. Something is wrong with the vacuum or electric solonoid on the top of this container. Or sometimes it can be set if the gas tank cap isn't on tight.

Personal Experiences:

I had the same code on my 96 Ranger (4.0). Investigating the evaporation system (vacuum hoses, solenoid, and canister) I found that the solenoid had extensive rust and corrosion. I replaced it with one from a junk 95 Taurus I had on hand. The code has not returned.

***Unfortunately, the P1443 code doesn't point to any one specific part of the evaporative emission system. I had my 96 Ranger to a local mechanic who ran a smoke test on the system. He said it had no leaks, and recommended changing the purge valve or solenoid (the valve located in the vacuum line closest to the charcoal canister). I replaced it (it looked very rusty on the bottom) and yet the code came back. I then replaced the purge flow sensor (located next to the purge solenoid, closer to the engine) and the code has not returned since. The purge flow sensor was bad.

There is supposedly another valve or sensor on top of the gas tank in this system, although I could not see it. So, the P1443 code can occur when any of the valves, flow sensor, or vacuum lines fail in the evaporative emission control system