CEL keeping me from getting my inspection

[Muddskipper]

99 Rodeo w/170 k

to sum it up

its that darn p401 EGR code

I did all the recomended cleaning- did not help
Droped $$$ on a new EGR valve (my second one on this vehicle)

still did not help

PCV valve new, cleaned idler control valve...nada

So I take it to my mechanic, he says I did everything that he would and he is goning to have to see if there is a short in my mapping sensor or the other electronics

At $60 an hour........

HELP......ME

Give me some feed back on what I should do.....

[rodeo02]

P0401= Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
First verify your EGR plumbing is free and clear. As you spray clean the EGR ports, make sure you can see the liquid dump out the end of the tube behind the throttle plate. If that's good, it's got to be the EGR valve itself, or maybe it's wiring. There is a write-up showing how you can hack the (1998+)EGR vlv apart and fix the 'feedback' portion of it yourself.
G/luck
Joel

[stanger42]

did you try clearing the code and seeing if it comes back? they don't reset themselves.

[94twacker]

they DO reset themselves after so many key turns, or like 200 miles it is I believe. So you can reset it, then take it to be inspected and the code will still be stored in there and it will NOT pass unless it has been driven so many miles or started so many times without the computer picking up something wrong, then the codes clear and you can be inspected. So many people are battling these service engine lights in 96+ vehicles, my parents are going through it right now. I am just glad both of my vehicles are 92's!

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by 94twacker

they DO reset themselves after so many key turns, or like 200 miles it is I believe. So you can reset it, then take it to be inspected and the code will still be stored in there and it will NOT pass unless it has been driven so many miles or started so many times without the computer picking up something wrong, then the codes clear and you can be inspected. So many people are battling these service engine lights in 96+ vehicles, my parents are going through it right now. I am just glad both of my vehicles are 92's!

That's not entirely correct. If you disconnect the battery or remove the ECM fuse it WILL reset and clear any codes stored in the memory. The problem is that it takes a certain number of cycles/miles (around 50 miles) for some of the systems (O2 sensors, Evap., etc.) to be "ready". In many states if you attempt to get inspected without ALL of the OBD2 systems "ready" you will fail, regardless of whether of not there is a CEL present.