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What is your question?
Noticed a clicking sound when breaking and taking off. It disapated with acceleration. Two days later it wouldn't turn over, making the same clicking sound while trying to start it.
What makes this problem better or worse?
nothing it won't start
How long has your 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser had this problem?
Noticed a clicking sound when breaking an taking off. Disapated with acceleration. Two days later it wouldn't turn over, making the same clicking sound.
1 Reply
Hello, The clicking is your leak detection pump finding a large leak in the EVAP system. This may be caused by a purge valve that is stuck open, or there may be an actual leak somewhere on the EVAP system. Either way, the reason it will not start is because the EVAP system, especially if the purge valve is stuck open, is acting like a giant vacuum leak. You will want to have this diagnosed, or access a service manual that describes how to test the purge valve and EVAP system for leaks. One last thing: you may find that fixing one thing causes different codes to come up for EVAP when you have the P0440 code, and that is because you may have small leaks elsewhere on the EVAP system.
Ahhhh ok. I spoke with a mechanic yesterday and he claims that a leak in the evap wouldn't keep it from starting. He also claimed that the codes don't really mean anything. That it could be the starter. I thought, then why even have this feature if it's obsolete. I'm in MI so with the cold & snow I really think it's the purge valve. Since I'll have to have it towed to a shop I really want to narrow down at least where the issue is. Would there have been a different code if it were an ignition issue such as the starter or alternator. Oh and, Thank you so much for the rapid response!
Hello again, The EVAP leak is very likely the purge valve, and you can test it by clamping the line to the purge valve where it runs into the intake manifold. Now, the other technician saying that the starter may be the issue may mean that I misunderstood the scenario. When you turn the key to 'start' does the starter crank the engine, or does nothing happen at all? If you turn the key to 'start' and the you don't hear the engine cranking like it is trying to start, you likely have two issues.