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I've got a 2001 Camry XLE with the V6 3.0L engine. For some reason I can not seem to find much information on my issue for my specific model, maybe I am not looking hard enough or it isn't a common issue with my model. Or my model is maybe a bit rare (so my buddy says, but neither of us are Camry experts).
My check engine light came on the other day and I got the code read, found it is code "P0446". The diagnosis describes this as "Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV)". My car has been running fine, even when I drove an hour car ride and to and from work today. From what I have read, it basically is a solenoid that controls the vacuum to the EGR valve, and opens up to store/release certain emissions. That could be wrong, just my interpretation. I am a bit new to this DIY stuff but am eager to learn.
So here is where my questions come in. My car has a diagram of the vacuum hose routing system, which I have attached to this post. When I try and find the VSV where the diagram has it (bottom leftish area of picture) I don't see it. Maybe it is a bit deeper into the engine or maybe it doesn't look exactly what I think it looks like based on my internet searches. I've seen posts about other models where it is in different locations. Does anyone perhaps have pictures of where it is located in my model? I have attached some images of my engine that may be useless but I figured better than nothing. Being new about this stuff makes me hesitant to start pulling stuff off without knowing 100%, so I could use some guidance. But like I said, I am eager to learn, and I gotta start somewhere. Thanks in advance. Oh one more thing, is it dangerous/damaging to drive my car when this issue is present? I have to go to work which is a 35 minute drive each way. As I said it's been running fine so far with no noticeable issues.
The engine will run normally with this problem. The problem is related to the system that collects and stores gas vapors in the gas tank to later send them to the engines intake to be burned. The VSV opens/closes the hose that sends the vapors to the engine.
2001 xle v6 - evac vsv
