The purge valve on a 2016 Ford Fusion is typically located on or near the engine's intake manifold, usually mounted to the throttle body/plenum on the passenger side of the engine bay.
Common locations to check
The evaporative emission (EVAP) purge valve is part of the system that routes fuel vapors back into the engine. Depending on the exact engine variant, location can vary slightly, but it is usually found in a couple of standard spots in the engine bay. Use this guide to identify where to look.
- On or near the intake manifold/plenum, typically just behind the throttle body where the vacuum hose from the charcoal canister connects
- On the passenger-side of the engine bay, attached to a small bracket on the intake manifold or near the throttle body
- For some EcoBoost variants, the purge solenoid may be mounted to the upper plenum or throttle-body assembly rather than a separate bracket
These spots cover the most common installations for 2016 Fusion models, but exact placement can vary by engine option and production batch. If you can't spot the valve by these cues, consult the factory service manual for your exact trim and engine code.
How to identify and test the purge valve
Once you locate the valve, you can perform a basic check to determine if it’s functioning. The steps below outline a practical inspection and test flow.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety before removing any electrical connectors or hoses.
- Inspect the valve and its vacuum lines for cracks, splits, or disconnected hoses. Replace any damaged lines before testing the valve.
- Check the electrical connector for corrosion or loose pins; reseat or replace the harness as needed.
- With a multimeter, verify the valve coil resistance according to Ford’s service data for your exact engine code. If the reading is out of spec, replace the valve.
- With the engine off, disconnect the vacuum line from the purge valve and apply a signal or light vacuum to the valve while listening for an audible click; the valve should click when energized with the appropriate voltage.
- For a live test, use an OBD-II scanner or professional scan tool that can command the EVAP purge to verify the valve responds and that there are no leak codes (such as P0440, P0441, etc.).
Note: For some steps, you’ll need the specific service information for your engine code (2.5L, 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, etc.). If you’re unsure, a trained technician can perform the test and confirm valve integrity.
When to replace the purge valve
If the valve does not click when energized, shows abnormal resistance readings, or a persistent EVAP-related trouble code remains after tests, replacement is typically recommended. Always verify there are no vacuum leaks elsewhere in the system before replacing the valve.
Summary
In most 2016 Ford Fusion models, the EVAP purge valve is located on or near the intake manifold, commonly attached to the throttle body or upper plenum on the engine’s passenger side. While there is some variation by engine option, locating the valve follows similar cues: look for the electrical connector and vacuum hoses leading from the canister to the manifold. When diagnosing, inspect hoses, test the valve’s coil, and use a scan tool to verify operation before replacing components. If in doubt, consult the vehicle’s service manual or a qualified technician.