Canister Purge Solenoid
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Dodge Ram Wagon, 1995 Dodge Ram Van, 1995 Dodge Pickup, and 1995 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Charcoal canister purging is controlled by a canister purge solenoid. Canister purge solenoid is controlled by PCM. During engine warm-up and for a short period after hot restarts, PCM grounds canister purge solenoid winding causing solenoid to energize.
When canister purge solenoid is energized, engine vacuum signal to charcoal canister is interrupted. After engine reaches a predetermined operating temperature and PCM internal timer has expired, PCM will de-energize canister purge solenoid. This will allow engine vacuum to purge charcoal canister. Canister purge solenoid will also be de-energized during certain idle conditions so PCM can update fuel delivery calibration.