Windshield washer not pumping is not related to the purge issue. That's probably a bad washer pump which is cheap and easy to replace.

As the the purge issue, check the installation of the purge valve. It could be one of the hoses came loose. Also check the gas cap. Make sure it's sealing well. I had the P0444 and replacing the purge valve did not fix it. I tried shimming up the the gas cap gasket with an o-ring and that appears to have resolved the issue.

 

Ok thank you. I was going to try installing a new gas cap (I'm presuming the O-ring is part of it) myself but I couldn't find a video for my car - there is a tube that is supposed to connect from the gas cap (mine broke all a long time ago) to the inside cover but there isn't really a grove to put it in.

 

Are you sure your windshield washer fluid is rated cold enough for this weather? Maybe it's just frozen.

 

Thanks but it wasn't working before the cold weather came in.

 

Ok so I bought a gas cap off Ebay and put it in. I didn't notice the clip connection in the tank door at first because the tether had been stuck in there so once I pulled that out I saw where the new tether should go. I don't think my original one had a seal in it - at least I didn't see it when I removed it and looked at it so maybe that WAS the problem. How long before the engine light will go off now - IF that really was the problem and anything particular I need to do? Thanks.

 

Ok well - I've put about 50 miles on and filled the tank but the SES has not gone off so unfortunately, the fast fix of a new gas cap was not the cause of my car's PO445 leak. I'm back to thinking the mechanic screwed something up while trying to replace the purge valve.

 

FWIW, we had a jeep where the code had to be cleared after a new cap was installed. We drove it for 150 miles or so and the code remained - I thought it would just go away. We cleared it and it did not come back.

 

So hope is still alive!
How do you clear the code - is that something Auto Zone could do? I don't have one of those code readers.
Thank you

 

Auto zone is not allowed to reset codes. You need to buy a tool or find someone who has one. Maybe reach out to local BMW CCA members.

 

Ok thanks. I guess I'm going back to Ebay to find me one of those code clearer things. I'll have to search the forum to see if there is a thread for recommendations.

 

Soooo - if anyone finds this interesting - I went back to Auto Zone and they used the code reader.

After changing the gas cap - although the engine light is still on - the PO445 code is gone.

But NOW I am getting codes P0433 (heated catalyst efficiency for bank 2 is below threshold for current engine operating conditions), Po451 (fuel tank pressure sensor or short circuit) and P1343 (misfire cylinder 1 with cut off).


i am really hating this car right about now.

 

Fun with codes PO433, PO451, P1343

Meant to start new thread & can't delete this- sorry.