Emissions Control Fails In Extreme Cold

[rloftus]

We've been having some extremely bitter cold in the Northeastern US lately. When the temperature gets down to below about 10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit my check engine light comes on. I took the car to a mechanic and it spit out a code that the mechanic told me is usually for a bad purge valve in the evaporative emissions canister. The mechanic was familiar with this owner's group and he told me if I set a whole day aside, print out the instructions and devote myself to this job that it is something that can be done in your home garage. I've done oil, air filter, transmission fluid and spark plug changes on my 2003 Vibe 2wd base model with 102,000 miles and am hoping to hear from other Vibe owners who have tackled this job.

[Raven]

It's not that big a deal I don't believe. We are having extreme cold here as well. It was -28°F her last night. The cold does strange things to cars. If it only happens during a deep freeze, I would leave it alone. It may be as simple as condensation freezing inside the valve. But having said that, 10°F is not very cold.
It's not a big job to change it if I remember correctly and the part is under $20.00.

http://www.pontiac-parts-dealer.com/parts.htm

[Salsa Guy]

What Code? P0420?

[rloftus]

I didn't write it down but I think the P0420 is correct.