Vehicle: 1997 Toyota Camry XLE
Issue: MIL (check engine light) on
Diagnosis: Pulled the code and it was a P0446. This can be one of two different VSVs (vacuum switching valves) or the the hoses between the VSVs. I tested the VSV on the canister first since it’s easy to get to. On the 1997 Camry the canister is under the hood just below and to the right of the brake master cylinder. I energized the VSV and it didn’t make any noise. It should make a clicking sound when you energize it and again when you remove the power from it. No clicking means it’s bad.
Solution: For this specific model the part I replaced was PN: 90910-12271. The original part number was 90910-12109 which was superseded by the 12271 number. Once replaced I cleared the codes and took it for a test drive. This code won’t immediately set if the issue is still there. The vehicle has to go through the complete EVAP drive cycle which can take some time. Sometimes this code won’t set until a long road trip is taken. At the end of the test drive I rechecked the info on the scan tool and there were no new codes and the EVAP drive cycle stated that it was incomplete.
Time: Diagnosis and repair was about 2 hours total including calling the Toyota dealer for price and availability and running to pick up the part.