P0441 on 2018-2022 Honda Ridgeline: EVAP Purge Flow Malfunction Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2022 Honda RIDGELINE

The 2018-2022 Honda Ridgeline, along with other Honda models sharing the 3.5L V6 engine, is highly susceptible to this code due to a specific, documented part failure. Honda acknowledged in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB A23-091) that the original-equipment purge control solenoid valve has an internal spring that can cause uneven wear, leading the valve to stick intermittently. The TSB states, "Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks." This known defect makes the purge valve the primary suspect by a wide margin, unlike in other vehicles where the cause might be more ambiguous.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Slightly rough idle in some cases
• Possible faint fuel odor (rare)
• Other system warning lights (like for the AWD system) may illuminate as a secondary effect.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty EVAP Purge Control Solenoid Valve 🔴 High Probability Honda TSB #A23-091 directly states that due to variations in the valve's internal spring, it wears unevenly and can stick, causing a P0441 code. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the original part, 36162-5G0-A01.
   How to confirm: The valve is normally closed. Remove the valve (located on top of the engine) and try to blow through it. If air passes through, it's stuck open and faulty. This is the most common and definitive DIY test. Alternatively, a capable scan tool can command the valve to open and close to test its function.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge control solenoid valve with the updated part (36162-5G0-A02). This is a straightforward repair involving removing the plastic engine cover, two 10mm bolts, two hose clamps (which can be squeezed with pliers), and one electrical connector.
   Est. part cost: $35-$75
2. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap/Fuel Filler Neck ⚪ Low Probability While less common for a 'flow' code than a 'leak' code, the capless fuel filler system can sometimes not seal correctly if debris is present, potentially confusing the EVAP system's pressure readings. Some owners report the P0441 code appears after fueling.
   How to confirm: Inspect the capless fuel filler opening for any dirt, debris, or damage that would prevent the internal flap from sealing completely. Ensure it closes properly after fueling. A blast of compressed air or wiping with a clean cloth can dislodge debris.
   Typical fix: Clean the fuel filler opening. If the spring mechanism is damaged, the entire fuel filler neck may need replacement, but this is rare for this code.
   Est. part cost: $0-$150
3. Blocked or Leaking EVAP Hoses ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible rubber hoses connected to the purge valve and charcoal canister for cracks, kinks, or disconnections. A professional smoke test can be used to find leaks that are not visible.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged or clogged section of hose.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty EVAP Canister: The charcoal canister can become saturated with fuel if the tank is consistently overfilled, or the charcoal can break down over time, causing a blockage. This is less common than the purge valve failure and is typically a more expensive repair.
• Wiring Harness Issue: In rare cases, damage to the wiring or connector for the purge solenoid can mimic a failed valve. Another TSB (A21-081) for other Honda models notes that external radio wave interference can cause similar codes, fixed by installing a sub-harness, though this is less likely on the Ridgeline.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0441 is present. Note if P04F1 is also present.
2. Check for any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). TSB #A23-091 is the most relevant for this issue.
3. Inspect the capless fuel filler neck for debris or damage and clean if necessary.
4. Locate the purge control solenoid valve on top of the engine, under the plastic engine cover.
5. Visually inspect the hoses connected to the valve for obvious cracks or disconnections.
6. Test the valve. Disconnect the electrical plug and hoses. Attempt to blow air through it. If air passes, it has failed and is stuck open.
7. If the valve seems okay, check its electrical connector for corrosion or damage and verify it is receiving power with a multimeter when commanded open by a scan tool.
8. If all of the above check out, the issue may be a less common one, like a clogged line or canister, which may require a professional smoke test to diagnose.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Purge Control Solenoid Valve (OEM #36162-5G0-A02) — This is the most common failure point for P0441 on this vehicle, as documented by Honda in TSB #A23-091. The original faulty part number was 36162-5G0-A01; the -A02 is the updated, corrected part.
  Trusted brands: Honda (Genuine), Denso
  OEM price range: $33-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P04F1 — P04F1 is 'EVAP System Low Purge Flow Detected'. It often appears with P0441 because a sticking purge valve can cause both incorrect flow (P0441) and insufficient flow (P04F1). Owners on forums frequently report seeing both codes together.
• AWD System Light — This is not a trouble code, but a common secondary warning light. A Honda technician on a forum explained that when the engine's computer detects a fault like P0441 that could affect engine performance, it may disable or limit related systems like traction control and AWD as a precaution, triggering their respective warning lights.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• A23-091: 'MIL Comes on with DTC P0441' - States the cause is an intermittently sticking purge control solenoid valve and provides the updated part number (36162-5G0-A02) for the fix. Specifies a 0.5 hour labor time for replacement.
• APaS04222021905: '2018-2020 Odyssey, Passport, Pilot & Ridgeline MIL On w/ DTC P0441 Stored' - A request from Honda to dealerships to collect parts from vehicles with over 15,000 miles to investigate the cause of this code.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #A23-091 was issued for 2019-2023 Ridgeline models (among others) specifically for DTC P0441 caused by a sticking purge control solenoid valve.
• TSB #APaS04222021905 shows that Honda was actively investigating this P0441 issue on 2018-2020 Ridgeline models, indicating the problem spans the entire 2018-2022 range even though the 2018 model year was not explicitly listed in the final version of TSB A23-091.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Purge Control Solenoid Valve Resistance — expected: 20 - 30 Ohms. Failure: A reading near infinity (open circuit) or zero (short circuit) indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• Mode $06 Test ID $3C (EVAP System .090" Leak Test) — expected: The 'measured value' should be below the 'maximum limit' value shown on the scan tool.. Failure: If the measured value exceeds the maximum limit, it indicates a failure in the EVAP system's self-test, even if a CEL is not yet present. This points towards an intermittent fault that the PCM has detected.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, Test ID (TID) $3C: This is not a DTC, but a non-continuous monitor test result for the EVAP system. A failure here can indicate the root cause of a P0441 before the code becomes permanent. It specifically relates to the EVAP system's ability to hold pressure. (see via A professional scan tool with Mode $06 capability. The results will show a test value and a maximum/minimum limit.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda HDS (or equivalent professional scanner): EVAP System Function Test — This is a comprehensive, automated test that commands the PCM to actuate various EVAP components (purge valve, vent valve) and monitor the system's response. It can confirm the functionality of the entire system after a part replacement or when the cause is not immediately obvious.
• Any bidirectional scan tool: Command Purge Valve OFF, Command Vent Valve ON (Closed) — This is a specific test for a stuck-open purge valve. With the engine running, command the purge valve off (its normal state) and the vent valve on (to seal the system). Monitor the Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor. If pressure begins to drop (vacuum increases), it confirms the purge valve is leaking vacuum when it should be sealed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Purge Control Solenoid Connector — On the purge valve itself, located on top of the engine intake manifold.. It is a 2-pin connector. One pin receives 12V power when the ignition is on (often from the main relay), and the other pin is the control wire that the PCM provides a path to ground to open the valve. A bad connection or damaged wire here can cause P0441 or a related circuit code (P0443).
• Chassis Ground Point (User-added) — A threaded, unused hole in the chassis frame to the right of the airbox, near the fender.. While not directly related to the P0441 circuit, owners have identified this as an ideal location to add a dedicated ground bolt for easier jump-starting and testing, as the factory negative battery terminal is hard to access. This provides a reliable ground reference point for any electrical testing in the engine bay.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 36162-5G0-A01 → 36162-5G0-A02 — The original part was prone to intermittent sticking due to variations in its internal spring, as documented in TSB A23-091. The -A02 part is the corrected version.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2022: No significant variations in the cause or repair for P0441 have been identified within this model year range. The issue with the purge control solenoid valve and the corresponding TSBs apply across the entire range.