Hi,

A couple of months ago I had the engine warning light come on (70 plate Fabia). I used an OBD reader to get the code, cleared it, but it came back on within a few weeks. I took it to my local garage and they checked over the purge valve and hoses, advised they looked fine (no leaks etc.) and that if the light came back on, it must be the charcoal canister and I would need to take it to a main dealer for this work. I was a bit confused by the last part - is there a particular reason this would need doing by a main dealer? I also don't feel that confident that they checked the valve for faults properly, as they were a bit vague about that part. It sounded like they'd only done a visual inspection.

Anyway, the light came back on (although it does occasionally go off by itself and then come back on randomly). I'm wondering whether to take it to another local garage for a second opinion, but I'm aware they might just tell me the same thing and I will be wasting my money as they'll charge me to read the code. But then I'm also reluctant to take it to a main dealer unnecessarily since I imagine getting any work done with them would be expensive. Any advice would be great!

23 hours ago, jd843 said:

Any advice would be great!

Look here : -

Thanks. AG Falco

If it's not the fault mentioned in the other thread then don't over fill when fuel in and perhaps check the cap seal but computer programs and their updates can introduce problems as well as shorter lived parts.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

On 10/03/2026 at 13:32, nta16 said:

If it's not the fault mentioned in the other thread then don't over fill when fuel in and perhaps check the cap seal but computer programs and their updates can introduce problems as well as shorter lived parts.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

I’ve been making sure I don’t overfill ever since the light issue first started, and it still always comes back on. Fuel cap also looks fine.

I ended up taking it to a different garage - they scanned the code and just went ahead and replaced the valve+hose assembly, for nearly £400. Two weeks later and the light is back on.

I would take it back to the garage that changed valve etc as its a repair that didnt cure problem. It could be the charcoal cylinder itself but first try another filler cap. Have read if they don't seal properly can cause same code.

Alasdair

With faults like these (or any really) just plugging in a scan tool and accepting the error code isn't enough, as with all diagnostics results have to be confirmed by checking and cross-referencing with further checks and diagnostics. Perhaps the code needs deleting then live driving data to see what's going on to cause it, perhaps at point of return. Something like that requires training, knowledge and experience plus somethings not in stock with all Dealers, garages, mechanics and auto-electricians and those are time, patience and a willing attitude.

See - https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/517044-p0441-error-code-on-fabia/#findComment-5792556

Also - https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/517044-p0441-error-code-on-fabia/#findComment-5804519

I have the same error code and indeed have had it for well over a year! Initially the warning would come and go but it now shows virtually all the time only very occasionally going off only to return after a couple of days. I too deleted it but this only does so for a couple of days.

I know that I have overfilled the tank from time to time, on one occasion the filler pump nozzle failed to cut out and soaked my hand with fuel!

There appears to be no loss of economy at all and emissions were fine at both the MOT tests. I just live with it at the moment but if pushed to address it I think I would get the charcoal canister replaced as the first point of call.

Same problem I had after over filling the tank. Replaced the evap filter which is next to the tank behind the rear offside wheel arch liner. Car drove without any problems for over a year with the light on the dash. Once I replaced it I cleared the code and no more dash light and sailed through its mot. Think it took about an hour to change and bought genuine vw part online for about £85