P0443 on 2020 Jeep Gladiator: EVAP Purge Valve Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2020 Jeep GLADIATOR

For the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the P0443 code is a straightforward and common issue, often related to the purge valve itself, which is a known failure point on many Chrysler/Jeep vehicles using the 3.6L Pentastar engine. While the code is generic, its appearance on the Gladiator is specifically mentioned in at least one Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) alongside other EVAP codes, indicating a known pattern of issues recognized by the manufacturer.

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.
• Possible rough idle, especially if the valve is stuck open.
• A slight fuel odor may be noticeable in some cases.
• Difficulty starting the engine, particularly right after refueling (a classic sign of a stuck-open valve).
• Slightly reduced fuel economy.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty EVAP Purge Solenoid/Valve 🔴 High Probability The purge valve is an electromechanical part that cycles frequently and is a common failure item across the 3.6L Pentastar engine platform used in many Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to command the valve to open and close; you should hear a clicking sound. However, even if it clicks, the valve can be faulty due to incorrect internal resistance. A more definitive test is to remove the valve. When disconnected, it should be closed and not allow air to pass through when you blow into it. Apply 12V to the two pins; it should click open and allow air to pass. Resistance between the pins should typically be between 22-30 ohms. 🎬 See this video for a full purge solenoid bench test
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP purge solenoid valve. It is located on the driver's side of the engine near the intake manifold on the 3.6L engine.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability Wiring in the engine bay is susceptible to damage from heat, vibration, or rodents. The harness connector can also become corroded or have bent pins.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the purge valve for any signs of cracking, melting, corrosion, or loose pins. Use a multimeter to check for 12V power on one wire and a ground signal from the PCM on the other when the valve is commanded on. A forum user on a sister platform suggests checking that both wires have less than 3 ohms of resistance between the solenoid connector and the PCM pins.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30
3. Blown Fuse ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Check the vehicle's fuse box for any blown fuses related to the emissions or EVAP system. A test light can be used to quickly check all fuses.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse. If the fuse blows again immediately, it indicates a short circuit that must be diagnosed.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare and should be the last resort. The PCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including the valve, wiring, and fuses, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle for any other stored trouble codes. Address other codes first if they are present.
2. Visually inspect the EVAP purge solenoid valve, its connector, and the surrounding wiring for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
3. Check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the EVAP system.
4. CAUTION: Do not start or run the engine with the purge valve's electrical connector unplugged, as this can set the P0443 code itself.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the purge valve (with the ignition off). Use a multimeter to verify that one pin receives battery voltage when the ignition is turned to the 'On' position.
6. Use a scan tool with bidirectional controls to command the purge valve on and off. Listen for an audible click from the valve.
7. If no click is heard, check for a ground signal from the PCM on the control wire at the connector while commanding the valve on.
8. If power and ground are confirmed at the connector but the valve doesn't operate, the purge valve itself is faulty and should be replaced.
9. If the valve clicks but the code persists, test the valve's internal resistance with a multimeter. If it's outside the typical 22-30 ohm range, it is electrically faulty.
10. If power or ground is missing, trace the wiring back to the fuse box or PCM to find the break or short in the circuit.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• EVAP Vapor Canister Purge Solenoid (OEM #04627694AC (supersedes 04627694AB)) — This is the most common component to fail, triggering the P0443 circuit code.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, Standard Motor Products, Wells
  OEM price range: $45-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0441 — P0441 indicates incorrect purge flow. A faulty purge valve circuit (P0443) can directly cause the incorrect flow detected by P0441.
• P0449 — This code relates to the EVAP vent valve/solenoid circuit. Both P0443 and P0449 are mentioned together in Jeep TSB S2025000002, suggesting they can be part of a related system fault.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S2025000002: Addresses a customer complaint of a check engine light where fault codes P0441, P0443, or P0449 may be found as active or stored in the PCM.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #S2025000002) was issued for 2020 Jeep Gladiators for a check engine light with codes P0441, P0443, or P0449, indicating this is a recognized issue by the manufacturer.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Purge Solenoid internal resistance — expected: 22-26 Ω at room temperature.. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open/infinite reading, indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• EVAP Purge Solenoid current draw (scan tool PID) — expected: 1,000 mA (1 Amp) when commanded fully open (100% duty cycle).. Failure: Significantly lower or no current draw suggests an open circuit or faulty solenoid.
• Voltage drop across purge solenoid — expected: A minimum of 3 volts drop when the valve is commanded fully open.. Failure: Less than a 3-volt drop indicates high resistance in the solenoid or circuit.
• Voltage at the PCM connector for the purge solenoid control wire — expected: 9 to 14 V (Battery Voltage) with the key on.. Failure: No voltage or low voltage points to a break in the power supply wire to the circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: EVAP Purge Solenoid Actuation Test — This is a primary diagnostic step. Use this command to cycle the solenoid on and off while listening for an audible click and checking for voltage changes at the connector. This confirms if the PCM can command the solenoid and if the solenoid is mechanically responding.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: EVAP System Test / Leak Test — To verify the integrity of the entire system after a repair. For a P0443 circuit fault, this is used to confirm that the new valve is operating correctly under system control and not causing other related flow codes like P0441.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Block Ground Strap — A primary ground strap typically runs from the negative battery terminal directly to the engine block.. A loose or corroded main engine ground can cause unstable voltage and floating grounds for all engine-mounted sensors and actuators, including the EVAP purge solenoid, leading to intermittent circuit codes.
• Chassis Grounds (General) — Multiple ground points exist in the engine bay near the battery and on the frame behind the front passenger wheel. Additional grounds are located in the passenger-side kick panel.. The PCM and its related circuits rely on clean chassis grounds. While not directly for the purge valve, a fault at one of these points can introduce electrical noise or resistance into the system, potentially triggering a circuit code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 4627694AA → 4627694AB — Standard part revision by the manufacturer, likely for improved durability or material changes.
• 04627694AB → 04627694AC — Further revision by the manufacturer. This is the most current part number recommended for service.