Yes they are part of the system. I would have to look at my car to see where the line with the red cap goes to. Maybe someone will chime in on that for you.
.DTC P0441 - EVAP SYSTEM NO FLOW DURING PURGE
Circuit Description
The EVAP vacuum switch is a normally closed switch, mounted in vacuum line between EVAP canister and EVAP solenoid. Battery voltage is supplied to switch through a pull-up resistor in the PCM. When PCM commands EVAP canister purge solenoid valve open (purge on), engine vacuum draws the evaporative emissions from the canister and EVAP switch opens (signal voltage high) providing feedback to PCM, indicating EVAP system is operating. When PCM commands purge off, the EVAP vacuum switch closes (signal voltage low), confirming that purging has ceased.
Diagnostic Procedures
1.Perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check. After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
2.If DTC P0443 is present, diagnose this DTC first. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, check EVAP vacuum switch status. If scan tool indicates that EVAP vacuum switch is not purging, go to next step. If scan tool indicates that EVAP vacuum switch is purging, go to step 5).
3.Start engine. Using scan tool, command EVAP canister purge solenoid on, while observing EVAP vacuum switch status. If scan tool indicates that canister is purging when solenoid is commanded on, see DIAGNOSTIC AIDS. If solenoid is not purging when commanded on, go to next step.
4.Turn ignition off. Disconnect purge hose from EVAP vacuum switch. Connect a vacuum gauge to canister side of EVAP switch. Start engine. Using scan tool, command EVAP canister purge solenoid on, while observing vacuum gauge. If vacuum gauge indicates vacuum reading close to engine vacuum when solenoid is commanded on, go to next step. If vacuum reading is close to engine vacuum, go to step 7).
5.Disconnect EVAP vacuum switch harness connector. If scan tool indicates PURGE, go to step 9). If scan tool does not indicate PURGE, go to next step.
6.Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM connector C2. Using DVOM, check continuity between EVAP vacuum switch signal circuit and ground. If DVOM reads infinity, go to step 10). If DVOM does not read infinity, go to step 12.
7.Disconnect vacuum harness from EVAP canister purge solenoid and connect vacuum gauge to manifold side of vacuum harness. If normal manifold vacuum is indicated, go to next step. If manifold vacuum is not indicated, go to step 13).
8.Rotate vacuum harness connector enough to reconnect only the manifold vacuum supply hose to solenoid. Connect vacuum gauge to the other port on solenoid. Using scan tool, command EVAP canister purge solenoid on, while observing vacuum gauge. If vacuum is indicated when solenoid is commanded on, go to step 14). If vacuum is not indicated when solenoid is commanded on, go to step 15).
9.Replace EVAP vacuum switch. After replacing vacuum switch, go to step 16).
10.Check connections at PCM. After repairs, go to step 16).
11.Replace PCM. Program replacement PCM using required equipment. After replacing PCM, go to step 16).
12.Repair signal circuit shorted to ground. After repairs, go to step 16).
13.Check for blocked or restricted manifold vacuum port. Check for kinked or leaking hose between EVAP solenoid and intake manifold. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 16). If vacuum port and vacuum lines to affected components are okay, go to next step.
14.Check for restricted, kinked or leaking hose between EVAP solenoid and vacuum switch. After repairs, go to step 16).
15.Replace EVAP solenoid. After replacing solenoid, go to next step.
16.Using scan tool, select DTC, CLEAR INFO function. Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Select DTC, SPECIFIC, then enter DTC P0441. Operate vehicle within conditions for setting this DTC. If scan tool indicates that this test ran and passed, go to next step. If scan tool did not indicate that this test ran and passed, repeat step 2).
17.Using scan tool, select CAPTURE INFO, REVIEW INFO function. If any undiagnosed DTC (s) are displayed, go to applicable DTC test.
http://www.rmsautoparts.com/search.php?pg=1&stext=12556259&sprice=&stype=&scat=I'm going to add a question to this thread since its along the same lines. What is the hose that the red arrow is pointing at? I need a new one too. I swiped the pic from you 1996blackss. I hope you don't mind.
Is this something that I can just replace with some fuel grade hose?