I had UHaul install a new class 3 hitch and wiring today, now the check engine light is on and I need help! I noticed it right away and went into the store and told them and their response "We didn't even go near the engine". I read the code when I got home and it is PO443 Evaporitive control system purge control valve circuit malfunction. I've never had a problem with this trouble code before so I'm trying to figure out if it could be something they did with wiring or maybe poked a hole in a vaccuum line or fill tube or something? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

I checked for vaccuum lines and checked the filler tube everything looks fine. The only thing I can think of is the wiring they spliced into. I don't know how this could effect the evap system though. Maybe just a coincidence that it happened at the same time?

 

It's conceivable that something they did has caused it. I read on the forum about one dude who had the code due to the tank/pump seal (which could have been compromised if jostled too hard/much during hitch installation). I think it's more than likely just a coincidence. Even if it isn't, proving it would be next to impossible. Clear your codes and check that your gas cap is tight. If you're going to start replacing things then that would be the first item to try out (since they're so cheap). If the problem continues then get a smoke test done. Remember to keep good records just in-case the defect shows at or near the area where U-Haul was messing around so you can pin it on the installation job.

 

The codes won't clear/check engine light won't turn off with my scan tool... weird. I think it might have something to do with the wiring they did. Instead of putting in a "plug-in" piggy back style harness, they cut into the factory wiring and spliced the wires. I'll start there by disconnecting what they did and try to reset the codes.

 

checking all the line in and around the fuel pump is what needs to be done its in the area of the hitch

 

I have a 01 with 69K now on it. Last summer I had a simmiler code.Since I have no smoke machine and do all my own work,I had to figure out something else. Ended up with using a regulator and put 1 lb of air on the evaportive service port.Had it in the garage with everything off and crawled all over it to find any leaks. Found one by the front drivers side of the rear axle at the evap cannister,fixed that one and then found another on the firewall at a factory splice near the belhousing near the crankshaft position sensor. All were just cheap factory vacuum hoses that had split.Perhaps they bumped into one at the cannister causing the code

 

Good point - I didn't realize the evap canister is near the rear axel on XJs. I'll take a look at it tomorrow. I guess I'm used to them being under the hood (on other vehicles).

 

mine was a 90 degree hose with 2 different sizes on it. Naturally you can't just buy the hose,you would need to buy the whole pipe assy. I used a brass 90 with two different hose barb sizes and short pieces of hose

 

So check this out. Yesterday I couldn't reset the trouble code with my scanner and I also noticed the voltage meter was very slightly lower than usual. Today I checked all around under the XJ and nothing seemed out of place and vaccuum lines looked ok. I took out the trim moulding in the back and disconnected the wiring harness they installed. Started the engine and voltage was back to normal. Hooked up scanner and was able to rest trouble code. Re-connected the harness and put everything back together. Drove around town running errands and everything is ok so far. The only thing I can think of is when he stuffed the wiring back into its place, the wires were bent over and lost connection in the factory connectors under the plastic trim piece. There are 3 factory connectors back there and I think some of that wiring goes to the fuel pump and evap system. I'll keep my fingers crossed the code doesn't reappear.

 

Well, the wiring issue was what i thought, the wiring was pinched over when the trim in the cargo area was reinstalled by UHaul. It put strain on the factory wiring harness and caused it to loose connection. I also looked closer at the hitch install. UHaul did not put the hitch frame directly against the frame rail on the passenger side as the Curt hitch instructions stated. They sandwiched the exhuast hanger braket between the hitch and frame, which is a big no-no. I contaced UHaul coporate public relations and explained that I hired UHaul so I didn't have to spend the time and aggrivation doing the install myself. Now, I have just as much time into this as it would have taken me to just do it myself. The person was very understanding and actually refunded my money for all the labor and the cost of the wiring harness. I ended up just paying for the hitch hardware (about $120). If you ever have problems at a UHaul store, I recommend contacting the corporate office. The in-store personnel will only offer you a certificate worth about $20 toward your next UHaul purchase. That is what they are trained to do I imagine.

 

Well done sir! You went about solving the problem the correct way. I hope the XJ is working the way it should now.

 

Agreed. You diagnosed, explained the problem to the "higher ups" and received a reasonable resolution to your issue.