Cracked or disconnected vacuum hose, especially the PCV and EVAP purge lines; Leaking intake manifold gasket or throttle body gasket; Failed PCV valve or torn PCV hose; Leaking brake booster or booster check valve; Cracked intake manifold, particularly on plastic manifolds; Stuck-open EVAP purge solenoid allowing unmetered fuel vapor; Loose or missing oil dipstick or oil filler cap

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1190

P1190 · ChryslerEngine Vacuum Leak

Q: What does code P1190 mean?

Engine Vacuum Leak. P1190 on Chrysler vehicles means the powertrain control module has detected an engine vacuum leak, typically by comparing short-term and long-term fuel trim values against expected limits. The computer sees the engine pulling in unmetered air, which leans out the air-fuel mixture and forces the fuel system to add fuel beyond its normal correction range.

P1190 on Chrysler vehicles means the powertrain control module has detected an engine vacuum leak, typically by comparing short-term and long-term fuel trim values against expected limits. The computer sees the engine pulling in unmetered air, which leans out the air-fuel mixture and forces the fuel system to add fuel beyond its normal correction range.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially with a small leak
Rough or erratic idle that may smooth out as engine speed increases
Hesitation or stumble during light acceleration
Lean misfire codes or a flashing check engine light in severe cases
Whistling or hissing sound from the engine bay at idle
Poor fuel economy or elevated idle speed

Common causes, most likely first

Cracked or disconnected vacuum hose, especially the PCV and EVAP purge lines
Leaking intake manifold gasket or throttle body gasket
Failed PCV valve or torn PCV hose
Leaking brake booster or booster check valve
Cracked intake manifold, particularly on plastic manifolds
Stuck-open EVAP purge solenoid allowing unmetered fuel vapor
Loose or missing oil dipstick or oil filler cap

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and record fuel trim values at idle and at 2500 rpm to confirm a vacuum leak pattern
Perform a visual inspection of all vacuum hoses, the PCV system, intake ducts, and the brake booster line
Spray carburetor cleaner or propane around intake gasket seams and hose joints while watching fuel trim changes
Use a smoke machine to pressurize the intake system and locate the leak precisely
Repair or replace the leaking hose, gasket, PCV valve, or intake component found during testing
Clear the codes and verify fuel trim returns to normal during a road test
If no leak is found, check EVAP purge solenoid operation and inspect the brake booster for internal leakage

Vacuum leaks that fool even experienced techs

A leaking brake booster diaphragm can cause a P1190 without any hissing noise and is often missed because the pedal still feels normal.
A stuck-open EVAP purge solenoid acts like a vacuum leak only at idle and can set P1190 without any visible hose damage.
On some Chrysler engines a loose oil dipstick or missing oil filler cap creates enough unmetered air to trigger this code.
Fuel trim readings that are normal at 2500 rpm but lean at idle point to a vacuum leak, while lean at all speeds suggests a different fault such as low fuel pressure.
A smoke test is far more reliable than carb cleaner spraying on modern Chrysler engines with tightly packed engine bays.

Can I keep driving with P1190?

You can usually drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and towing because a lean mixture under load can cause misfires and damage the catalytic converter. If the check engine light flashes or the engine runs very rough, stop driving and have it towed.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.