Check Engine light - Need to pass inspection

[jim Yonkin]

1999 Avalon - 185k mile

Check Engine light has been on for six months. Have been driving with no noticable problems. Not looking to put money in a car with almost 200k miles.

Now I need to pass Texas state inspection. I understand that a check engine light is an automatic fail. Last time I had the car in I was advised that I had three codes:

P0402 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Execessive detected
P1411 - EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit
P0446 - Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit

Can someone help me understand if one or more of these is the source of the check engine light and if it is high cost repair?

[jdmccright]

The check engine light will be set when any trouble is detected in the emissions control system. Is the rest of the car kept in good condition and well-maintained with routine service?

If it is the EGR valve, you might be able to clean it and get it working properly. If not, they run about $200 for the part itself.

Bear in mind that Texas inspects vehicles yearly, so you'll have to fix it eventually. If all you have to spend is $200 on a 10-year old Av then you've done well...beats a car payment and higher insurance EVERY month on a new car.

Hope this helps!

[whopperdad]

im going through same thing now. Have heard it is charcoal cannister and vsc switch vale comes as 1 assy. 340.00 bought one today need to know if you have to drop tank to access. I hope someone here knows. Thanks in advance. Car is 99 Avalon 98,000 miles.

[jdmccright]

The canister appears to sit in between the fuel tank and the rear axle cross-member...looks easy to get to. Good luck!