Purge valve solenoid

[2010Civic]

On my 2008 Honda Civic (1.8L) the purge solenoid valve is making a fairly loud ticking noise at low idle. Anything above low idle and the noise goes away 100%. Today I unplugged the valve when it was ticking and the noise went away, plug it back in and the noise comes right back. So I know it is this valve making the noise.

So my question is would a new valve fix my noise problem? I only started noticing it when the temps got really cold. (Well below 0F). Maybe the noise will go away when the temps warm up?

Also what exactly is making the noise? Is the valve opening and closing super fast?

Thanks

 

[AutoMechanic]

I would make sure that is the issue. Have you had any difficulties starting it or anything? Or a rough idle? Usually those are signs of one failing.

 

[2010Civic]

No issues. Car runs perfect.

 

[mattd]

Leave it alone, that is normal. The ECM will tell you when something is wrong with the EVAP system.

 

[2010Civic]

But why is it much louder now than it used to be?

 

[AutoMechanic]

Maybe the lifters or rods or something you mentioned when it was cold so it probably has something to do with the oil not getting there till it warms up.

 

[2010Civic]

Did you read my first post? The second I disconnect the electrical connector to the valve the sound goes away. As soon as I plug it back in the noise is back.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Oh yeah sorry. That is an interesting issue then.

 

[2010Civic]

Yep, maybe the cold temps are making the valve more noisy?

 

[2010Civic]

How often is the valve actually opening and closing? Just curious.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I believe whenever the PCM and Vacuum tell it to open up.

 

[dan_erickson]

My accord has done the same thing since day one in the winter time

 

[mattd]

It quickly cycles the purge valve, that’s how it purged the fuel vapors back to the engine. It stops when you unplug it because he ecm can no longer control it with it unplugged.

 

[sloinker]

Don't worry about it until you get a CEL as noted above. The solenoid makes a clicking noise when turning on, like a relay noise. The cold weather probably has it activating on and off because of what the inputs are reading. Should rectify with warmer weather.

 

[clinebarger]

A purge Solenoid is a simple On/Off device....They only way to meter the flow though it is to use PWM/Duty Cycle. At lower Duty Cycles the solenoid will have a audible click to it.

 

[zzyzzx]

I consider a purge valve solenoid as something that goes bad on every car and a regular maintenenace item. Even if it doesn't fail spectacularly, it will leak eventually.

 

[ryster]

I consider a purge valve solenoid as something that goes bad on every car and a regular maintenenace item. Even if it doesn't fail spectacularly, it will leak eventually.

+1

I have replaced the purge valve solenoid on my Chevy (failed at 40K miles) and also on my Dad's Ford Escape (failed at 110K miles.) Got a CEL in both cases. They are usually easy to replace and relatively inexpensive. I used OEM replacements. The valve for my Chevy was under $50, and for the Ford it was about $20.

 

[mk378]

But why is it much louder now than it used to be?

That happens to almost every moving part of any car.