I scanned our car and it gave me a P0401 code. Definition is Exhaust Gas Recirculation flow insufficient detected.
So is it pretty much saying that I need new EGR valve? I heard you can just rebuild them, clean them up. Its $150-$200 part at the store. Maybe I dont need it, any suggestions
You didn't say what make this is, but on GM I've opened them up and found tons of carbon buildup, cleaned it up and was good to go. There's really nothing to them, never fear.
I scanned our car and it gave me a P0401 code. Definition is Exhaust Gas Recirculation flow insufficient detected.
So is it pretty much saying that I need new EGR valve? I heard you can just rebuild them, clean them up. Its $150-$200 part at the store. Maybe I dont need it, any suggestions
most likely it is NOT the EGR valve, usually a low flow code is due to a clogged passage leading to or from the EGR housing. This is real common on the older 5.0 Fords and a lot of Honda's. The EGR is probably the most replaced part that didn't need replacement. EGR codes are almost never the EGR valve itself.
More information about what type of vehicle would make it a lot easier to help you. If it is a ford remove the valve and clean out the passages, also sometimes on the ones with a corrugated type steel tube, this rots out. If it is a Honda, you can pull the upper plenum and the EGR and clean out the passage.
Seafoam is not going to clean out the exhaust ports of teh EGR housing. Pull the EGR valve and follow the port away from the valve, I bet you find one of them is plugged solid or close to it. A galley brush, or a coat hanger and some carb cleaner will usually do the trick. Try to get it as clean as possible as the sludge that builds in there adds up fast once it starts. The cleaner you get it the better off you will be.
Ok I did some Digging in old notes, there is a VSV that controls the EGR that has caused that issue, the more common fix was removing the throttle body and cleaning out the EGR port. I have several notes on tehis for toyota/Lexus repairs. I would try cleaning the port out first before you buy any parts
I had a similar issue with my truck. Started thinking all kinds of crazy stuff was going to need replacing. Turned out that I had a cracked vacuum line.
Also look for the driver for the egr valve...if electrical make sure you have power and if vacuum make sure the vac line hasn't cracked or gotton a small hole in it allowing vacuum pressure loss. Would definitely check for clogs first!
ive ran some wire inside of lines that lead to EGR and out of it, didnt see or feel any build-up. Can I spray some throttle body cleaner in there and see if that will clean up any build-up it might have? So I'll need to take apart EGR valve and clean it up?
Ok I did some Digging in old notes, there is a VSV that controls the EGR that has caused that issue, the more common fix was removing the throttle body and cleaning out the EGR port. I have several notes on tehis for toyota/Lexus repairs. I would try cleaning the port out first before you buy any parts
If you remove the throttle body there is a port about the size of your pinky finger that is usually plugged. Not sure you have the exact same setup but it is worth a look.
alright. so I took it all apart last weekend and cleaned it up and put it all back together. Cleared code with my code reader and CEL hasnt came back on yet.
just an update. I bought vsv valve and replaced it, after about a week or so CEL turned off by itself.
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