Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Toyota / Toyota Cars / February 2008

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

My Camry Failed Inspextion.  Code O0401

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Talal Itani - 23 Feb 2008 23:37 GMT
Hello,

My Camry '97 just failed inspection.  It is code P0401. 'Exhaust Gas
Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected.'  Would you please give me your
recommendations.

Thanks,
Talal Itani
Ray O - 23 Feb 2008 23:54 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thanks,
> Talal Itani

How many miles are on the car?  With the engine idling, apply vacuum to the
EGR valve and see if the engine starts to idle roughly or start to die.  If
that happens, check the EGR position sensor.  If the engine does not start
to die, check the EGR tube for blockage.  Most likely, the EGR tube is
blocked with carbon buildup.  If that is the case, you can try to dig out
some of the carbon or replace the EGR valve and tube.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 01:23 GMT
>> Hello,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> tube is blocked with carbon buildup.  If that is the case, you can try to
> dig out some of the carbon or replace the EGR valve and tube.

The car has 130,000 miles.  Is the EGR tube the metal tube?
Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 06:36 GMT
>>> Hello,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> The car has 130,000 miles.  Is the EGR tube the metal tube?
At 130,000 miles, there is a fairly good possibility that the EGR tube is
blocked, especially if the car has mostly city miles.  The EGR tube is the
metal tube that is attached to the EGR valve.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 15:57 GMT
>>>> Hello,
>>>>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> blocked, especially if the car has mostly city miles.  The EGR tube is the
> metal tube that is attached to the EGR valve.

How is the tube detached in order to clean it?  Are they other parts to
clean?  If it is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while
clearing it?  Thanks.
Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 16:43 GMT
<snipped>

> At 130,000 miles, there is a fairly good possibility that the EGR tube is
>> blocked, especially if the car has mostly city miles.  The EGR tube is
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> clean?  If it is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while
> clearing it?  Thanks.

You did not mention whether you have the 4 or 6 cylinder engine, but the EGR
valve looks like this:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQToyotaQQCamryQQOE_ServiceQQEGR_Valve
QQ19972001QQW0133-1603325.html


The EGR valve for the 4 cylinder is pictured but the one for the 6 will look
pretty much the same.  The EGR valve is attached with 4 bolts - 2 on the
inlet and 2 on the outlet.  Remove the EGR valve and the metal tube attached
to it, and dig out the carbon buildup from inside the EGR and tube with a an
old screwdriver or awl.  Get out as much as you can and shake out the
crumbs.  If that doesn't work, replace the EGR valve and tube if they are
clogged.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 22:08 GMT
> <snipped>
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> shake out the crumbs.  If that doesn't work, replace the EGR valve and
> tube if they are clogged.

While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
Jeff Strickland - 24 Feb 2008 22:16 GMT
> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?

That is not a problem. The crumbs fall into the exhaust manifold, and
eventually go out the tail pipe.

As a caveat, it is not likely that the tube needs to be cleaned. It's
possible, that is true, but the EGR valve itself is probably worn out. It
isn't very expensive, and you may as well replace it since you will take it
off to clean the tube out.
Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 22:44 GMT
>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> isn't very expensive, and you may as well replace it since you will take
> it off to clean the tube out.

Is the EGR valve the part that attached to the top of the EGR tube?  I mean,
is it one part, or two parts?  Because it sounds to me, that there should be
a valve and a sensor.  Thanks.
Jeff Strickland - 24 Feb 2008 23:09 GMT
>>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> mean, is it one part, or two parts?  Because it sounds to me, that there
> should be a valve and a sensor.  Thanks.

I'm pretty sure it is all one. Buy the new EGR valve, and use it to
determine the screws needed to get the old one off.

While it is off, you can snake a coat hanger or equivelent down the tube,
but I don't think you will find very much. I have never ever had an EGR
valve problem, and one of my brother's had trouble with one a long time ago.
He replaced the part, but I don't know what he may have done with the tube.

I agree with those that say it might be plugged, but my experience is that
none of mine have ever been plugged. If it is plugged, it is easy to clean,
but do not stress if you find it is clean already.

HOT OFF THE PRESSES
I found the EGR valve at napaonline.com for $174 and $194 (4- and 6-cyl,
respectively). This changes my approach a bit. There are other parts --  
control solenoid, for example -- that are less costly. I would rethink what
I would do in the face of a $200 part. I'd take a closer look at the tube,
and check the solenoid and sensor.

I'm an optomist, and this demands the expensive parts be robust. Assuming
this is accurate, the EGR valve itself should be okay.
Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 23:24 GMT
>>>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>>>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
> I'm an optomist, and this demands the expensive parts be robust. Assuming
> this is accurate, the EGR valve itself should be okay.

I would not start replacing parts based on the price.  I would check the
parts and their function first, then replace the part that tests bad.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Jeff Strickland - 25 Feb 2008 00:11 GMT
>>>>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>>>>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> I would not start replacing parts based on the price.  I would check the
> parts and their function first, then replace the part that tests bad.

Me too.

I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off to
clean the tube, one may as well replace it (or be ready to). It turns out
the EGR is not cheap at all.
Ray O - 25 Feb 2008 00:55 GMT
<snipped>
> I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off to
> clean the tube, one may as well replace it (or be ready to). It turns out
> the EGR is not cheap at all.

The problem with driving today's modern vehicles is that they are pretty
reliable, and so it is easy to lose track of parts prices.  It seems like
the only cheap parts on any car nowadays are fuses and light bulbs (other
than headlamps).

Just picked up a '93 Escort that had been sitting in a friend's driveway for
5 or 6 months.  It is going to need a new battery, a bunch of bulbs, and
rear shock supports.  The hood won't latch and the gear select lever takes a
lot of effort to move, hopefully those are just adjustments and cleaning.
It barely makes 30 MPH with the engine revving, I'll have to investigate a
little further.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Scott in Florida - 25 Feb 2008 01:06 GMT
><snipped>
>> I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off to
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>It barely makes 30 MPH with the engine revving, I'll have to investigate a
>little further.

A few sticks of dynamite should be good for that Escort....

Signature

Scott in  Florida

Ray O - 25 Feb 2008 02:52 GMT
>><snipped>
>>> I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> A few sticks of dynamite should be good for that Escort....

I'm hoping that it will last at least until the kids save up enough to buy
their own car instead of using my Lexus!
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Scott in Florida - 25 Feb 2008 13:48 GMT
>>><snipped>
>>>> I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>I'm hoping that it will last at least until the kids save up enough to buy
>their own car instead of using my Lexus!

If the '93 still has a timing belt, I'd suggest changing it.

My '89 Escort timing belt broke at a fairly consistent 55,000 miles (Ford
says change it at 60K).

OTOH my '89 Corolla Wagon will go 70K on a timing belt, no sweat....

Signature

Scott in  Florida

mack - 25 Feb 2008 20:52 GMT
>>><snipped>
>>>> I had suggested that since the EGR valve was cheap, and had to come off
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> I'm hoping that it will last at least until the kids save up enough to buy
> their own car instead of using my Lexus!
If you're the kind of dad who lets his kids drive his Lexus...........would
you care to adopt me?
Ray O - 27 Feb 2008 00:25 GMT
<snipped>
>> I'm hoping that it will last at least until the kids save up enough to
>> buy their own car instead of using my Lexus!
> If you're the kind of dad who lets his kids drive his
> Lexus...........would you care to adopt me?

Sorry, 4 is my limit.  My daughter is the cleverest at getting the Lexus -
she waits until the other cars are all gone or she says she needs the nav to
figure out where she is going.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Bruce L. Bergman - 28 Feb 2008 06:09 GMT
>"mack" wrote...

><snipped>
>>> I'm hoping that it will last at least until the kids save up enough to
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>she waits until the other cars are all gone or she says she needs the nav to
>figure out where she is going.

 Sounds like your daughter needs some "Tough Love" - When she tries
the Puppy Eyes Act introduce her to the Boy Scout Orienteering
curriculum.

 "You are here - you need to get there - here's a good map and a
compass, figure it out."  If you want to be thorough toss in a pocket
altimeter, a pocket weather radio so she can get the barometric
correction, and the region's USGS 7.5 minute topo maps.

 And always have a good map-book in the car - Do they have Thomas
Guides for New York and Joisey?

 (Just Looked - Nope, still primarily Metro California, LA and SFO
and environs.  But they're starting to go north and east a bit,
Phoenix AZ, Tuscon AZ, King and Snohomish Counties WA, etc.)

 --<< Bruce >>--
Ray O - 29 Feb 2008 05:55 GMT
>>"mack" wrote...
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> the Puppy Eyes Act introduce her to the Boy Scout Orienteering
> curriculum.

LOL!  She learned from one of the best - her mother.  When I give my wife
directions somewhere, she insists on "left" and "right," not "east" and
"west."   Never mind that the streets in the Chicago area are pretty much
lined up east-west and north-south, and if you miss a turn, the left turn
becomes a right turn.  I don't have any trouble teaching orienteering to a
10 year old Boy Scout, but those proven techniques don't work with my wife.

>  "You are here - you need to get there - here's a good map and a
> compass, figure it out."  If you want to be thorough toss in a pocket
> altimeter, a pocket weather radio so she can get the barometric
> correction, and the region's USGS 7.5 minute topo maps.

Oddly enough, my daughter doesn't seem to have too much trouble finding her
way around in one of the other cars that doesn't have the navigation
feature.

>  And always have a good map-book in the car - Do they have Thomas
> Guides for New York and Joisey?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
>  --<< Bruce >>--

We keep a Rand McNally book that is the same format as the Thomas Guides -
other than the small fonts, they just as easy as the navigation system.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Jeff Strickland - 25 Feb 2008 03:54 GMT
> The problem with driving today's modern vehicles is that they are pretty
> reliable, and so it is easy to lose track of parts prices.  It seems like
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> cleaning. It barely makes 30 MPH with the engine revving, I'll have to
> investigate a little further.

My crystal ball shows a clutch in your future.
Ray O - 25 Feb 2008 04:10 GMT
>> The problem with driving today's modern vehicles is that they are pretty
>> reliable, and so it is easy to lose track of parts prices.  It seems like
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> My crystal ball shows a clutch in your future.

Possibly worse.  It has an automatic transmission.  The friend says that the
car ran fine before he parked it, so I'm hoping that it is just an
adjustment somewhere.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Scott in Florida - 25 Feb 2008 13:50 GMT
>>> The problem with driving today's modern vehicles is that they are pretty
>>> reliable, and so it is easy to lose track of parts prices.  It seems like
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>car ran fine before he parked it, so I'm hoping that it is just an
>adjustment somewhere.

My '89 Escort had to have the transmission rebuilt three times in 180,000
miles.....

Signature

Scott in  Florida

Ray O - 26 Feb 2008 02:37 GMT
<snipped>
>>Possibly worse.  It has an automatic transmission.  The friend says that
>>the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> My '89 Escort had to have the transmission rebuilt three times in 180,000
> miles.....

Thanks for the words of encouragement!  I guess I need to spend some time
under the hood :-(
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 23:21 GMT
>>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> mean, is it one part, or two parts?  Because it sounds to me, that there
> should be a valve and a sensor.  Thanks.

Unfortunately, Autozone does not have an online repair guide for the 1997
Camry.  They do have a guide for the 1996 and earlier Camrys, and the
illustrations at least show you what the parts look like and where to look
for them.

In some applications, the tube is part of the EGR valve and in others, the
tube is a separate part that is attached to the EGR valve.  I believe that
the tube is a separate part from the EGR valve in the Camry.  As Bruce
suggested, after you remove the tube from the car, spray some carburetor
cleaner into the tube and use a piece of solid #12 or #10 electrical wire or
a coat hanger wire to dig out the carbon buildup.

Also part of the EGR system are a EGR exhaust gas temperature sensor and an
EGR valve position sensor.  Unplug the wires from the sensors and vacuum
hoses from the EGR valve before removing the EGR valve from the engine.

Have you tested to see if the EGR valve is working yet?
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 23:32 GMT
>>>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>>>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Have you tested to see if the EGR valve is working yet?

I did not test the EGR valve.  How do I do that?
Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 23:48 GMT
<snipped>
>> Have you tested to see if the EGR valve is working yet?
>
> I did not test the EGR valve.  How do I do that?

I posted this before, perhaps you missed it.  Apply vacuum to the EGR valve
to open the EGR valve while the engine is idling and see if the engine
starts to run poorly or starts to die.  If the engine starts to run poorly
and starts to die, then the EGR valve is working properly and the valve and
tube are not clogged.  The next thing to check would be the EGR position
sensor if the EGR tests OK.

Anticipating your next question, you can apply vacuum to the EGR valve with
a Mighty-Vac tool or you can bypass the vacuum switching valve and EGR
modulator and plug the vacuum line directly into the EGR valve.

If the engine runs pretty much the same when you apply vacuum, then the
valve is not opening or the valve and/or tube are clogged.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 25 Feb 2008 03:17 GMT
>> I did not test the EGR valve.  How do I do that?
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> If the engine runs pretty much the same when you apply vacuum, then the
> valve is not opening or the valve and/or tube are clogged.

This is telling me that I have to take it to a mechanic.  I do not know how
to do this stuff.
Ray O - 25 Feb 2008 03:26 GMT
>>> I did not test the EGR valve.  How do I do that?
>>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> This is telling me that I have to take it to a mechanic.  I do not know
> how to do this stuff.
Unfortunately, not all mechanics know how to do this stuff either.  If you
are in the U.S., take it to a Toyota dealer or shop with ASE certified
technicians, or look at the instructions at autozone for the 1996 Camry
(different, but close enough to get the idea of how to check).
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

johngdole@hotmail.com - 27 Feb 2008 02:46 GMT
No, the 4cyl DOES NOT have a EGR lift sensor. It uses the less
reliable MAP vacuum drop and doesn't always catch low flows. Looks
like you got lucky!

The carbon will blow out the exhuast pipe. As for intake it may be a
small buildup in the small egr hole on the side of the manifold
shouldn't be a problem.

> Is the EGR valve the part that attached to the top of the EGR tube?  I mean,
> is it one part, or two parts?  Because it sounds to me, that there should be
> a valve and a sensor.  Thanks.
Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 23:03 GMT
>> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
>> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> isn't very expensive, and you may as well replace it since you will take
> it off to clean the tube out.

How do you know that it is not likely that the tube needs to be cleaned?
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Ray O - 24 Feb 2008 23:01 GMT
>> <snipped>
>>
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> While cleaning the tube, won't the crumbs come down into the tube?  I
> assumed that I remove detach the tube from the valve, right?
Remove the EGR valve and EGR tube from the vehicle, then remove the tube
from the EGR valve, then clean.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

johngdole@hotmail.com - 24 Feb 2008 18:30 GMT
Look at Figure 13 of Autozone''s free online repair guide, if you have
5SFE (4cyl):
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/13/eb/25/0900823d8013eb25/repai
rInfoPages.htm


Look at Figure 21-25 if you have 1MZFE (6cyl). They didn't mention a
whole lot about the EGR valve itself other than to remove it for
cleaning if stuffed with carbon, but if you click on the figure you
can view a larger one. Just remove the nuts/bolts holding the egr
valve in place.

If the tube from the exhaust pipe is blocked, as many owners had
reported, you can use a discarded electrical cord on a power drill to
make your own power rooter. Also blow clean the vacuum modulator's
filter under it's top cap, they don't sell the filter pad by itself,
so don't damage it. Your local parts store will carry Haynes repair
manual if you need it.

Use throttle body cleaner like: http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=137
Just don't subject the rubber diaphragm to the solvent for too long.

> How is the tube detached in order to clean it?  Are they other parts to
> clean?  If it is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while
> clearing it?  Thanks.
odyssey - 25 Feb 2008 03:31 GMT
> Look at Figure 13 of Autozone''s free online repair guide, if you have
> 5SFE (4cyl):
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>> clean?  If it is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while
>> clearing it?  Thanks.

I don't want to step on anyones toes here.
If it's a 4cyl. get some "Seafoam" in the spraycan with a straw ( I like to
tape the straw in place ) then disconnect the pvc hose , start the car up
and spray into the hose. It will directly hit the egr valve and it'll clean
what sludge off of the egr. there will be some smoke coming out the exhaust.
Thats a good thing, it's cleaning it.

If the valve isn't working properly. I suggest a new one from Rockauto.com
for $126. Take a look there's a picture , it'll give you a good idea of
where the line that extends to it goes.
In any case good luck.
Ray O - 25 Feb 2008 04:07 GMT
>> Look at Figure 13 of Autozone''s free online repair guide, if you have
>> 5SFE (4cyl):
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> clean what sludge off of the egr. there will be some smoke coming out the
> exhaust. Thats a good thing, it's cleaning it.

How does the Seafoam go directly to the EGR valve from the PVC hose?
Something sprayed into the PVC hose would normally have to pass through the
throttle body, intake manifold, and combustion chamber before some gets
drawn through the EGR tube and valve.  The stuff must be pretty potent if it
will clean out a blocked EGR system.  Seafoam's web site mentions that it
will clean EGR systems but doesn't explain how it works.  I've read several
posts from people who say that Seafoam works well, although I do not have
direct experience with it.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

odyssey - 25 Feb 2008 07:45 GMT
>>> Look at Figure 13 of Autozone''s free online repair guide, if you have
>>> 5SFE (4cyl):
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> I've read several posts from people who say that Seafoam works well,
> although I do not have direct experience with it.

In a 4cly.. The direct spray into the opening of the pvc hose would go
across to hit the Egr valve. Seafoam works well while soaking for a period
of time. Then ulimately it would be sent out of the intake immediately.
The pvc hose is directly in front of the Egr valve.
Seafoam is a good cleaner for throttle bodies also allowing them to soak &
to scub with an old toothbrush.
I had discovered it through Toyotanation.com. They have a search that could
answer your questions. It does many different things. It works suprisingly
well.
Ray O - 26 Feb 2008 02:40 GMT
>>>> Look at Figure 13 of Autozone''s free online repair guide, if you have
>>>> 5SFE (4cyl):
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
> could answer your questions. It does many different things. It works
> suprisingly well.

I guess I'll have to check it out if I ever have a problem with carbon
buildup somewhere.  I clean throttle bodies with carb cleaner and a paper
towel, it has worked well up to now.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Talal Itani - 27 Feb 2008 21:09 GMT
> How many miles are on the car?  With the engine idling, apply vacuum to
> the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> is blocked with carbon buildup.  If that is the case, you can try to dig
> out some of the carbon or replace the EGR valve and tube.

Today I removed the EGR valve, there was some carbon, but not much.  There
was only a think layer of carbon.  I cleaned it up.  I did reset the light,
and now waiting to see if the light comes back.  If the light comes back,
does it necessarily mean that a new EGR valve will solve it?  Thanks.
Ray O - 28 Feb 2008 01:52 GMT
>> How many miles are on the car?  With the engine idling, apply vacuum to
>> the
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> back, does it necessarily mean that a new EGR valve will solve it?
> Thanks.

Did you also clean the tube between the exhaust manifold and the EGR valve?
The tube, especially where it connects to the exhaust manifold, may be
clogged and you will get the same trouble code.

If the check engine light illuminates again, then you should check the
trouble codes again because it is possible that the same or a different
fault is causing the light to come on.

If you get the same trouble code (P0401), then the diagnostic process is
pretty much the same.  A replacement EGR valve may or may not solve the
problem because the EGR valve may or may not be the cause of the check
engine light.  If you are willing to replace a part even though the parts
replacement may not solve the problem, then you can replace the EGR valve.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

johngdole@hotmail.com - 29 Feb 2008 01:47 GMT
You really need to borrow a MityVac vacuum pump/gauge from Autozone
(free with deposit) to diagnose the system. The problem may be
insufficient vacuum to open the EGR valve and not the valve itself.

So the EGR valve itself may be fine and if so you shouldn't spend
nearly $200 to replace it. I don't believe in swapping parts to fix a
problem, because it's easily turns into a good way to waste money.

If you borrow the MityVac then you can do two things and try to
isolate the problem to the valve or modulator side:

1. Connect it to the EGR valve's vacuum port. Pull vacuum with the
MityVac while the engine is idling. The engine should stall. This will
easily confirm that the valve is working.

2. Connect it to the hose that goes to the EGR valve's vacuum port and
measure the vacuum with the engine warm. Do you read increasing engine
vacuum at the hose when opening throttle past 2500 rpm?

> Today I removed the EGR valve, there was some carbon, but not much.  There
> was only a think layer of carbon.  I cleaned it up.  I did reset the light,
> and now waiting to see if the light comes back.  If the light comes back,
> does it necessarily mean that a new EGR valve will solve it?  Thanks.
Don't Taze Me, Bro! - 24 Feb 2008 00:35 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thanks,
> Talal Itani

did they not tell you what you needed to have done?

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/generic/p0401-insufficient-exhaust-gas-re
circulation-flow-egr.php

Mark A - 24 Feb 2008 02:09 GMT
> did they not tell you what you needed to have done?

I think it was the emissions inspectors who told him there is a problem, not
the dealer or repair shop.
Don't Taze Me, Bro! - 24 Feb 2008 02:50 GMT
>> did they not tell you what you needed to have done?
>
> I think it was the emissions inspectors who told him there is a problem,
> not the dealer or repair shop.
inspectors should be able to tell him what the prob usually is
Mark A - 24 Feb 2008 03:39 GMT
> inspectors should be able to tell him what the prob usually is

In some states, the inspectors are independent organizations that are not
allowed to make repairs (they only do inspections). In that case, the
inspector probably would not know, nor would he/she be allowed to give such
information to the consumer even if they did know.

If the inspection was done in a garage where they can also fix the problems,
then they probably would have already told him what it takes to do the
repairs.
Don't Taze Me, Bro! - 24 Feb 2008 03:50 GMT
>> inspectors should be able to tell him what the prob usually is
>
> In some states, the inspectors are independent organizations that are not
> allowed to make repairs (they only do inspections). In that case, the
> inspector probably would not know, nor would he/she be allowed to give
> such information to the consumer even if they did know.

its that way here... and when my 93 failed... they told me exactly what i
have to have done, gave me papers that said what i needed and then told me
to find a place
Tomes - 24 Feb 2008 14:07 GMT
"Don't Taze Me, Bro!" ...
> "Mark A" ...
>> "Don't Taze Me, Bro!" ...
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> have to have done, gave me papers that said what i needed and then told me
> to find a place

In New Jersey, for one example, it is as Mark says exactly.
Tomes
Talal Itani - 24 Feb 2008 15:56 GMT
> "Don't Taze Me, Bro!" ...
>> "Mark A" ...
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> In New Jersey, for one example, it is as Mark says exactly.
> Tomes

I am in Texas.  The inspection report failed, because of code P0401.  And,
the 'Check Engine Light' has been on for some time.  I should not have taken
the car for inspection before taking care of the Engine Light.  How is the
tube detached in order to clean it?  Are they other parts to clean?  If it
is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while clearing it?
Thanks.
Mark A - 24 Feb 2008 16:06 GMT
> I am in Texas.  The inspection report failed, because of code P0401.  And,
> the 'Check Engine Light' has been on for some time.  I should not have
> taken the car for inspection before taking care of the Engine Light.  How
> is the tube detached in order to clean it?  Are they other parts to clean?
> If it is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while clearing it?
> Thanks.

In most states, if your check engine light is on, they will not pass your
vehicle. You are lucky that they even bothered to check the code.
Tomes - 24 Feb 2008 21:47 GMT
"Mark A" ...
> "Talal Itani" ...
>> I am in Texas.  The inspection report failed, because of code P0401.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> In most states, if your check engine light is on, they will not pass your
> vehicle. You are lucky that they even bothered to check the code.

Heh, Heh...  I tried to get over on the NJ inspection this way and it did
not work.  I pulled the EFT (? - if I am remembering it correctly) fuse to
reset the codes and then pulled it right in.  I had a code and was trying to
fake out the system by having it run through before the code reset itself
and the inspection picked that up.  It failed solely because the system "was
not ready".  I ended up faking myself out.
Tomes
Tomes - 24 Feb 2008 21:55 GMT
> "Mark A" ...
>> "Talal Itani" ...
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> system "was not ready".  I ended up faking myself out.
> Tomes
ECU Fuse according to another post here.....
johngdole@hotmail.com - 24 Feb 2008 18:39 GMT
True, MIL light means "fail" in many states. So you know that going
in.

You can clear the MIL light by pulling the ECU fuse (5amp? in the
engine bay, driver side fuse box) for a minute after you clean the
parts.  But don't take it in for inspections right afterwards because
in some states you cannot pass the inspection if some on-board
diagnostics monitors didn't complete their runs (the diagnostics
monitors also do the inspections for the inspectors).  Autozon'e free
OBD-II reader service should tell you if these are all completed.

On Feb 24, 7:56 am, "Talal Itani" <tit...@verizon.net> wrote:> I am in
Texas.  The inspection report failed, because of code P0401.  And,
> the 'Check Engine Light' has been on for some time.  I should not have taken
> the car for inspection before taking care of the Engine Light.  How is the
> tube detached in order to clean it?  Are they other parts to clean?  If it
> is a blocked tube, how deep down do I need to go, while clearing it?
> Thanks.
Hachiroku ハチロク - 24 Feb 2008 00:38 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thanks,
> Talal Itani

Follow Ray's advice and check the EGR, but also, I had a Tercel with this
same problem and had to replace a couple hoses...
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2009 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.