Can a broken purge valve be the cause of a check engine light?

Recently I’ve been having rough starts on my 2012 Chevy Cruze immediately after refilling my gas, and I narrowed it down to a broken purge valve. My check engine light has been on for the same amount of duration as well. Can this be the cause?

Yes, a faulty purge valve can cause a hard start issue after refueling.

EVAP leak codes and purge codes are the signs here. Look at what codes you have. On my '07 Cobalt, I had an EVAP large leak. I ended up doing the gas cap and the solenoid under the hood and at the canister before I found the issue—a physical crack in the canister that I couldn’t see until I removed it. If you can get a smoke box, they help for sure.

What do you mean by EVAP leak codes? I’m not familiar with that.

Zen said:
What do you mean by EVAP leak codes? I’m not familiar with that.

EVAP stands for evaporative emissions system. It helps prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. If there’s a leak, like from a bad gas cap or purge valve, it can trigger the check engine light.

Definitely going to thoroughly inspect my car. I picked up the purge valve today, and it looks like a minute-long fix. I’m hoping that takes care of my CEL. Thanks!

Good luck with the fix! Let us know if that solves the issue. I had a similar problem, and replacing the purge valve did the trick!