need help,CELcode PO401 EGR flow insufficient detected.WTF?

[LatinUSMC]

just got back from pepboys 1st CEL ever!!

CELcode PO401 EGR flow insufficient detected.WTF?

They said for $100 theyll check the flow chart.

tech said its a possible selunoid problem???? WTF does that mean?:roll:

Milt.. any local machanics in woodlandhills/west SFV area you can recomend?

[unbalancedwood]

always try resetting first, disconect battery, drive around...

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.
Symptoms

You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.
Causes

A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

* The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
* There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
* The EGR valve is faulty
* The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Possible Solutions

In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

* Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
* Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
* Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
* Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
* Replace the EGR valve

[LatinUSMC]

YOU ARE MY HERO..THANKS...(that came out kinda fruity)

huh? would that be caused by cheap ARCO GAS 87 octane? my friends at work added that comment...

[nemoxfishy]

O.o .....
i have the exact OPPOSITE problem....
my engine light came on a week ago... and i just got time today to pull it to a garage to have it checked... the code came up to be an EXCESS EGR flow... =[

[---CAMRAZY---]

EGR delete... homeboy..

[LatinUSMC]

EGR delete... homeboy..

ooook that helped.

[---CAMRAZY---]

Resistor that bitch...............

[LatinUSMC]

resistor WTF ???huh??? arigato gizaimas, su zun nincunen, oskut,wala zaeda??????

hello nooobie here, you forgot?

i can turn the radio on an charge spark plugs, and oil filter..even install a body kit after that ...im all thumbs

[Eye8Pussies]

take the egr off, block up the ports and then use a resistor to trick the ecu into thinking that it's all there


but on the off note, since most ppl don't want to get rid of their egr...

both problems are the same problem- the egr is sticking and won't open/close properly.

the solution is to take it apart and clean it thoroughly to get rid of all the carbon cleanup. if that still doesn't work, then it will have to be replaced.

[LatinUSMC]

cool thanks

[nemoxfishy]

what DOES the egr do ?
i KNOW it stands for exhaust gas recirculation crap... but why take it off and replace it with a resistor? any gains ?? or losses ??
elaborate plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz thx~!

[LatinUSMC]

guys found out this can be easily removed an cleaned and calibrated by computer emmisions to work.
its normal on older camrys one guy quoted 300 two other quoted 100-120 no biggie.

if not treated may not pass the smog check

[kilade]

I just got the "EGR flow insufficient diagnosis". I gotta head out of town this weekend. Would it still be ok to drive about 400 miles round trip and take care of the problem when I get back???

[Dawgz]

It could also be the sensor up top as well, easy replacement from junkyard.

[ASG14]

^ YUP! We learned that one, eh Vik? LOL

The sensor going bad I think counts for like 50% of the EGR CEL's