Simple Steps to Fixing the P0401 Code: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient

P0401 Code is relevant to your car’s EGR system. It lights up the Check Engine sign when the engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve isn’t pumping enough exhaust gases when it’s ordered to allow their flow into the intake manifold.

The most common reasons for an EGR to malfunction revolve around the valve. It could happen due to:

• The EGR valve is clogged up and can’t allow the flow of exhaust gases.
• The EGR valve is faulty due to the low vacuum coming from the EGR control solenoid.
• The EGR can not hold the vacuum.
• Faulty DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor

When a P0401 code pops up, there might not be many symptoms for you to notice. But, the following symptoms can indicate an EGR malfunction

• An illuminated Check Engine sign
• Pre-ignition knock or pinging when the car is accelerating
• An increase in fuel consumption
• Emission tests fail because of increased nitrous oxide exhaust

Is This Code Too Serious?

P0401 code is considered a serious one. Severe damage to the pistons and valves could happen due to the high combustion temperatures and pinging ignition.

That’s why this code shouldn’t be left ignored for a long time.

But is it Risky For My Safety?

No, this code doesn’t pose a safety risk at all to you. But, if there are strong drivability issues, it’s better if you have it fixed as soon as possible.

How Will My Mechanic Diagnose The Problem?

When the P0401 code pops up, the first thing your mechanic will do is to scan the codes and document the freeze frame data. This will help your mechanic verify the diagnosis and proceed from there.

After clearing the engine and making multiple road tests, your mechanic will check if the codes come back. If they do, he’ll start to visually scan your engine for damaged wires or worn-out connections.

Also, your mechanic will scan your vacuum hoses, wirings and connections to the EGR valve. After that, he’ll check the solenoid and the EGR temperature sensor.

Your mechanic will also want to make sure that your EGR valve is receiving enough engine vacuum, particularly when the control solenoid opens on light-to-medium acceleration.

Finally, your mechanic will remove your EGR temperature sensor and valve to check if there’s any carbon build-up or blockage of the EGR tubes.

How Can My Mechanic Fix These Problems?

The most obvious thing to do is to clean the EGR tubes to the intake manifold and make sure there are no more remnants of carbon build-up over time.

Also, according to your problem your mechanic will do one or some of the following:

Can My Mechanic Misdiagnose The Problem?

Unfortunately, it can get tricky when your mechanic is trying to figure out what exactly is causing your P0401 code. So these are common mistakes that your mechanic might make while diagnosing your P0401 code:

• Failing to clean the EGR tubes when replacing a defective valve
• Forgetting to test the EGR temperature sensor sensitivity and replacing a well functioning EGR valve
• Failing to check if your EGR control solenoid will hold the vacuum before replacing the valve

Voila! Your Car is All Set Up to Hit The Road

After you’ve got your P0401 code fixed, your car should be all cleared to get back in function again.

So this sums up our guide to fix a persisting P0401 code. All you have to do is learn that a P0401 code means an insufficient EGR flow. This error may be due to some build-up carbon that clogged your EGR tubes, a faulty EGR valve, a damaged EGR solenoid, or even a damaged OBD-II.

You’ve learned that this code is serious, and it shouldn’t be left till it affects the drivability of your car.

Drive safely!