← Back to list

2007 Chrysler Town & Country P0443 Code After Alternator Replacement - How to Fix Emission System Purge Control Issue

Model: 2007 Chrysler Town & Country Fault Code: P0443 Posted: 2014-11-28 22:02

I own a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8 Limited van and have never had the check engine light stay on before. Recently, I replaced my alternator and needed to remove the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve for access. After reassembling the EGR valve and starting the vehicle, the check engine light remained on. Months later, it is still active, and the diagnostic code reads P0443 — Emission System Purge Control System Valve Circuit. I assumed the issue was related to the EGR valve since I had removed and replaced it during the alternator work, so I replaced it again. However, after disconnecting the battery for over 10 minutes, performing several key-on/off cycles, driving the vehicle for about an hour, and rechecking the code, P0443 persists. The local auto parts store suggested that the code might clear after 100 miles of driving or multiple starts/stops, but they were uncertain. The car runs perfectly fine, but I cannot pass a vehicle emissions test with the check engine light on — registration renewal requires it to be off. I’m not ready to visit a dealership for expensive repairs. What could be causing this P0443 error? Is there a specific electrical or vacuum connection that might have been disturbed during maintenance? How long should I drive the vehicle before expecting the code to clear on its own? Any practical advice would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0443
Comments (4)
Anonymous 2014-11-28 23:00

When replacing the alternator, you're supposed to remove the oil dipstick tube, not the EGR valve. The P0443 code relates to the evaporative emissions purge solenoid — a component with two electrical wires and two vacuum lines. It's possible that during your EGR valve removal, you accidentally disturbed the electrical connector. Both wires connect to the engine control module (ECM). Check the wiring harness for loose connections or damage. Refer to the engine vacuum diagram in your owner’s manual to locate it — typically mounted on a bracket with dark blue/brown and dark blue/white wires at the connector.

Anonymous 2014-11-29 01:07

Hi autojoe, thanks for the prompt reply! I’ve taken photos of my EGR valve. It has a five-wire electrical connector (Blue/Green, Blue/Gray, Blue/Red, Blue/Black, Yellow/Red) and no vacuum lines — only two mounting points: one connected to the engine with 10mm bolts and another attached to an intake manifold pipe using 8mm bolts. I’ll start by inspecting the electrical connections. Do you have any suggestions on where to begin? Or should I just keep driving it for a long distance until the check engine light turns off?

Anonymous 2014-11-29 01:50

Sorry, autojoe — I realized we were discussing two different components. After checking under the hood, I found the evaporative emissions purge solenoid and discovered that its electrical connection was loose! I likely removed it while trying to take out the old alternator and forgot to reattach it. Also, I don’t believe the alternator could have been removed by removing just the dipstick tube — I spent over an hour struggling to free the EGR valve before giving up. Thanks so much for your help! I now understand what caused the P0443 code and should be able to pass my emissions inspection.

Anonymous 2014-11-29 09:02

Great to hear you found the root cause — a loose purge solenoid connection. This is a common oversight during alternator or EGR work on 2007 Chrysler Town & Country models. Properly reconnecting the evaporative emissions system should resolve the P0443 code and allow your vehicle to pass emissions testing.