EJ22 Canister Purge solenoid Replacement Instructions

[JunkmanJim]

My poor 92' Legacy was throwing codes at me faster than I could write them down. I sorted all of them out, this was the last one. This was a code 35.
I was trying to find some info on replacing the purge solenoid and it seems some other people wanted to know where it was and how to replace it. I couldn't find a picture of where it was so here are lots of pictures.
I also hate instructions that are anything less than explicit.

[JunkmanJim]

This replacement is easy once you know where it is located.
Best of luck, Jim.

[cj91legss]

wish it was that easy for us turbo owners... i just relocated mine to save me the hassle. So for the record, it does NOT have to stay in the stock location.

[Jessekrs123]

Nice writeup buddy. Definitely going to refer back to this if any of my legacys throw this code.

[cj91legss]

Ok so since we have this writeup, what exactly does this valve do? is it emissions only? is there a way we can just out right get rid of it without throwing a code?

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

Nice write up! I merged your two posts into one topic so it's easier to view.

[Legacy777]

Ok so since we have this writeup, what exactly does this valve do? is it emissions only? is there a way we can just out right get rid of it without throwing a code?

This solenoid valve is emissions related and allows the fuel vapors in the charcoal canister to be drawn into the engine to be burned.

[squibbiez]

Ok so since we have this writeup, what exactly does this valve do? is it emissions only? is there a way we can just out right get rid of it without throwing a code?

You can do what I did. Cut the wires at the solenoid and wire in a resistor. This will trick the ECU into thinking the solenoid is functioning correctly.

I used a 50 ohm resistor from Radio Shack, and it's kept my CEL off for a few dozen miles now.

[squibbiez]

Update to include some photos:

Here's my work, ziptied to the vent hose by the throttle body. Note in the second photo it's obscured by the engine cover.




I cut the wires at the solenoid body, so it's still in its normal location, vacuum lines etc. intact, underneath the intake manifold.

Now the current in the two wires passes through a 50 ohm radioshack resistor. The ECU no longer thinks it's connected to a dead solenoid, and the CEL is gone.

I suppose it's worth mentioning that this obviously only fixes the code 35 CEL if your problem is with the solenoid burning out (i.e. infinite resistance.)

[burnt_toast]

Thank you OP and squibbiez for your information! My turbo '94 Leg Wagon started throwing a CEL the day I got it, but since otherwise things appear to work as normal I kept driving her and just never got around to checking the code, until now. It's been intermittently going off and coming back on and has finally stayed on. Previous owner had wired in some dinky giant alarm so it wasn't straightforward getting to the CEL wires, but finally did it. And lo and behold code #35 popped up.

Legacy777,
what do you think the ramifications are of doing what squibbiez did, and basically just straight bypassing this valve? slight MPG drop perhaps? Considering doing his route since it really does look like a Bi*** to get to on turbo variant. But want to make sure its safe to do so.

Been about 5months since I've owned her and its at least good to finally know it indeed was not a substantial fault code, whew.

Older post, but bump up for the good info!

[Legacy777]

If the CP solenoid is closed and you use the resistor to keep the ECU happy it shouldn't change anything really. The only impact I could see is the charcoal canister collecting more fuel vapors and "maybe" there being a gasoline smell, but it's probably not too likely.