I have a 2000 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6, auto, 2WD, flex-fuel with 64,000 miles. I changed the fuel filter last weekend and after about a week and about 100 miles later the check engine light came on. I went down to Autozone and borrowed their OBD II computer and pulled off the computer trouble code P0445 (The PCM has determined that a short circuit condition exists in the electrical circuit for the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control system.). Could I have done something while changing the fuel filter to cause this code? I find it too coincidental that the problem not be related to something I did while changing the fuel filter. Please help.
Thanks
Jerry

 

P0455 - EVAP Control System Leak Detected (No Purge Flow or Large Leak)

The PCM monitors the complete EVAP control system for no purge flow, the presence of large fuel vapor leak or multiple small fuel vapor leaks. The system failure occurs when no purge flow attributed to fuel vapor blockages or restrictions), a large fuel vapor leak or multiple fuel vapor leaks are detected by the EVAP running loss monitor test with the engine running (but not at idle).

Possible Causes:

- After-market EVAP hardware (such as fuel filler cap) non-conforming to required specifications

- Disconnected or cracked fuel EVAP canister tube, EVAP canister purge outlet tube or EVAP return tube

- EVAP canister purge valve stuck closed

- Damaged EVAP canister

- Damaged or missing fuel filler cap

- Insufficient fuel filler cap installation

- Loose fuel vapor hose/tube connections to EVAP system components

- Blockages or restrictions in fuel vapor hoses/tubes

- Fuel vapor control valve tube assembly or fuel vapor vent valve assembly blocked

- Canister vent (CV) solenoid stuck open

- Mechanically inoperative fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor

Check for audible vacuum noise or significant fuel odor in the engine compartment or near the EVAP canister and fuel tank.