1998 Camry Check Engine Light/ Code P0401/P0402

[goodlance]

I took my 1998 Camry to AutoZone and got the three error codes off of it...2 were P0401 and one was a P0402. I know these are Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected and Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected respectively but what does this mean exactly and how can I fix it? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[jcamry]

you probally need a VSV for the egr (vacuum switching valve). I would recomend you take it to the toyota dealer and let them check it. i spent $600 on my camry with out fixing the problem. i took it to the dealer and they found the problem right away.

[goodlance]

Originally Posted by jcamry

you probally need a VSV for the egr (vacuum switching valve). I would recomend you take it to the toyota dealer and let them check it. i spent $600 on my camry with out fixing the problem. i took it to the dealer and they found the problem right away.

Thanks...how much was it when you took it to the dealer?

[jcamry]

it probally depends where you live. here in canada it costs $75/hr to scan the codes and find the problem, it only takes them 20 min. but they still charge the flat hourly rate. for the vsv it costs $250 installed, they charge $120 for the part and $130 for labour(1.5 hours) a bit high but what can you do

[rob3]

Originally Posted by goodlance

I took my 1998 Camry to AutoZone and got the three error codes off of it...2 were P0401 and one was a P0402. I know these are Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected and Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected respectively but what does this mean exactly and how can I fix it? Any help is greatly appreciated!

You already know what it is, EGR, egr modulator, or VSV. First clean out the hoses going to EGR, reset, drive it see if that fixes it. If not go buy the VSV about $100. Reset, Drive it, if fails take the VSV back get your money back, try the EGR modulator and so on if all else fails then take it in after you get your money back on parts.

[jcamry]

i dont know what the dealer is like there but they dont take those parts back here. especially the vsv because it is an electrical part

[rob3]

Originally Posted by jcamry

i dont know what the dealer is like there but they dont take those parts back here. especially the vsv because it is an electrical part

Well you can get the EGR valve from Advanced Auto parts. I don't know about the VSV. Advanced would take the part back, you could try the EGR first. I had the p401 error on my car, I never take cars to dealers unless I have a warranty. I got the VSV replaced for about $200. Which is a lot considering how easy the job is, but I didn't know what it was. From what I have heard this error really does no damage to your car or gas mileage it just effects pollution, in some areas you couldn't pass inspection. So you can take your time on getting it fixed, if you don't want to attempt it I would look for a good foreign car mechanic, the dealer will clean out your wallet.

[bytech]

Hello Rob3, Thanks a lot for your advice. I did check the EGR valve and all the vacumn hoses; they seemed ok.Where to buy EGR modular ? Not on Advance Auto parts. Hw to test the EGR modulator.

[bytech]

Hello Rob3, Thanks a lot for your advice. I did check the EGR valve and all the vacumn hoses; they seemed ok.Where to buy EGR modular ? Not on Advance Auto parts. How to test the EGR modulator.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by bytech

Hello Rob3, Thanks a lot for your advice. I did check the EGR valve and all the vacumn hoses; they seemed ok.Where to buy EGR modular ? Not on Advance Auto parts. Hw to test the EGR modulator.

The only way I would know how to test is to buy the part, install, reset error code and drive, if error comes back see if you can get money back. From what I have read, I think the VSV is more responsible for these P401 codes. I would try that next, might have to get that at the dealer, mine was about $100. However I have a generation 3, 1996. Your gen 4 , 98 could be different. I found some very good details on the EGR system, testing and so forth. These two webpages:

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/engl...0040501e2.html

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/engl...0040501e2.html

[TOYOTAOWNER]

My engine light came on and I had autozone scan it. I got
p0401 and p0402 which means too little airflow or too much
airflow to egr system. Egr stands for exhaust gas recirculation.
A small about of the exhaust gases are reburned to lower the
emissions. The egr system regulates the amount that is reburned.
At low rpms ie. at idle and at high rpms ie. above 4000 some of
the gas is reburned. There are 3 basic parts to the system.
1. the egr vacuum actuator 2. the egr valve 3. the vsv switch or canister purge solenoid in addition to a bunch of hoses.
the egr vacuum actuator is straight back and toward the left.
It has 3 hoses coming out of it and the top has the letters q, p and r. the egr valve is to the right of the vacuum actuator and has a round metal top.and the vsv switch is just behind the air filter, it has two hoses and a wire connector.
I fixed mine but I am not sure how. I think that one of the rubber hoses got clogged with a piece of carbon.
First, I took off a hose at a time and blew through it.
Second, I took the cap off the vacuum actuator and cleaned the filter
and sprayed carb cleaner in the top and bottom of it.
Third, I checked the vsv switch. take it out, then blow air through it.
no air should come out. took a ohmeter and touched both terminals
it should read 30-34 ohms. Apply battery voltage to the two terminals
I did this by taking two wires and attached each one to the battery posts and then touched the two terminals. Should hear a click and should be able to blow air through.
Fourth, I took off the egr valve, kinda difficult. Will bang up hands.
I sprayed car cleaner in it real well, I also sprayed some in the hole that
the egr was attached to. It had a pretty thick carbon buildup.
After that, I disconnected the tube that is connected to the air intake
and sprayed some carb cleaner in it. After that started the car and
the engine light went off without even resetting it. I hope this helps someone. I also cleaned the pcv valve which is right in front of the
egr actuator. It has a rubber tube connected to the intake.
I used alldata which is a computer database program that can
be used free at my library(ask your librarian) or at autozone.com
you can pay for a subscription of something like $15.00
per year per car.