I have a 1997 Ford Thunderbird with the check engine light on.
It has a 3.8 6 cyl. engine and the code shows P1443. I'm not sure
what that is. How do I rectify this problem.

 

Code P1443: Evaporative Emission Control System - Vacuum System - Purge Control Solenoid or Purge Control Valve fault

Several conditions can cause this code to be set. A loose or broken gas cap, a damaged carbon canister, damaged or plugged fuel vapor hose, a damaged purge solenoid, Purge Flow (PF) sensor or Vapor Management Valve (VMV) are all possible causes. A multimeter or scan tool can be used to test these components.

 

check if you have power and ground to the solenoid this code is usually a wiring problem ie broken wire

 

I am getting the same code, (only the car is an 8 cyl) with the additional code of 0430 (Catalyst efficiency below threshold). I am guessing the first code is causing the second, but one thing at a time. Did you figure out what to fix, and where it was located in your car?

 

I ended up answering my own question as to the location of the EVAP valve, it's behind the right headlight in the area between it and the engine compartment - difficult to get at, but not impossible from under the car. I changed it, but continue to get the same code - will have to continue to look for cause of P1443 code.

 

hmm, my dad's 96 escort has the same code, must be common

 

Better take it to your nearest auto mechanic. They could surely give the proper diagnosis and repair for your car's check engine light. That defect could probably spread out to other components making up the engine system...

 

Remember, sometimes when you fix a problem, your Check engine light will not always automatically go away, or right away even if it does eventually clear out.

If you do not have special plug in diagnostics tool that clears your codes after a repair, then all you have to do is remove the Positive terminal on your battery for about 30 Seconds or so and that should clear any codes that have either been fixed or are no longer a problem. I work in Korea so I do not have the ability to just run and kiss the Mechanics booty every time I have a little hiccup in my Sensors. My car runs great, never had any problems that required repair, but have had to clear a couple of codes since I have owned it.

When you clear the code via the Battery method, give it a day or so or a few miles to re-learn your driving habits and type of fuel you are using etc...

Of course this will only help your problem has been fixed or the problem has gone away, I hard failure will of course produce a check engine light no matter how many times you clear your check engine light.

Disclaimer: I have been wrong from time to time, and the advice I give is usually based on my own experiences, so you guys that are in the know can feel free to correct me at will.