EGR Valve

[JonJon68]

Hi fellas, I'm getting a check engine light, took it to Auto Zone and the scanner came up with code P0401 which I understand is insufficient flow in the EGR valve. I have a 97 GP GT 3.8 110,600. What are my options to resolve this issue? Can I remove it and clean with carb cleaner? If yes is there a special technique in cleaning it? I was told that this part is quite expensive, around 160.00. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks again in advance...

[BNaylor]

Yes, just two 13mm nuts hold it on the flange. Just spray the spring loaded pintle with cleaner. However, do not move pintle. In the EGR pipe from exhaust to intake check for excess carbon and any obstruction. You should get a new gasket if EGR is removed.

A bad PCV valve and seal can cause DTC P0401 because the PCM uses MAP vacuum pressure to run the EGR flow test. Did you replace the PCV valve recently?

BTW - After spraying pintle let it dry and then spray with light coat of WD40.

[richtazz]

Yeah, like Bob said

[JonJon68]

Yea, I replaced the PCV along with the upper intake plenum manifold two weeks ago.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Yea, I replaced the PCV along with the upper intake plenum manifold two weeks ago.

Checkout the link below. The black o-ring on the PCV valve must be present along with the big orange one. Also, the MAP sensor holder must be tight and have the spring that fits over the PCV valve. MAP sensor must be locked down over the retainer pawls and properly connected electrically.

http://macgp.clubgp.com/howto/engine/pcv/gt/pcv.html

[JonJon68]

Thanks Guys, yes, I checked the PCV valve and there was no black o-ring so I took the black 0-ring off the old PCV and installed it. Hopefully this will take care of the problem.

[richtazz]

Make sure you get the code cleared, and let us know if that fixed it. Just don't tell Bob he helped yet another person, it's going to his head, look at all those pretty pink stars!!! (just kidding of course Bob).

[ern2112]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Make sure you get the code cleared, and let us know if that fixed it. Just don't tell Bob he helped yet another person, it's going to his head, look at all those pretty pink stars!!! (just kidding of course Bob).

LOL...doesn't look like you are far off from being pink yourself Rich. Ho hum.....will take me a few more years to get there.....hehehehe. Course...I don't have that much info....so prolly will just have to start posting pictures of my car and dog to get there!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Make sure you get the code cleared, and let us know if that fixed it. Just don't tell Bob he helped yet another person, it's going to his head, look at all those pretty pink stars!!! (just kidding of course Bob).

Help which is mutual is a way of life on AF. But I sure enjoy helping people save money. Like being a good Samaritan.

Hey Rich, btw the stars s&$k. But you can change the title under the name. You think thats worth $50/year?

[richtazz]

mmmmm........NO!!!!

[JonJon68]

I disconnected the battery for an hour and evidently that won't clear the codes on these cars. I went back to Auto Zone to have it scanned again and I was able to clear the code, the employees are not allowed. Anyway, the check engine light has not come back as of yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks again for the excellent help

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Yes, just two 13mm nuts hold it on the flange. Just spray the spring loaded pintle with cleaner. However, do not move pintle. In the EGR pipe from exhaust to intake check for excess carbon and any obstruction. You should get a new gasket if EGR is removed.

A bad PCV valve and seal can cause DTC P0401 because the PCM uses MAP vacuum pressure to run the EGR flow test. Did you replace the PCV valve recently?

BTW - After spraying pintle let it dry and then spray with light coat of WD40.

Ditto, especially the new gasket, make sure you have a new one before you take the EGR off. Worked for me.