lax1089

CEL went on and diagnose said P0401 EGR Flow Insufficient

i have a 97 ex 4dr and i wanted to know some common problems that cause this code that maybe i could fix. thanks

TouringAccord

Probably have to clean the EGR passages in the intake manifold. Check the Accord FAQ for instructions on how to do that.

lax1089

thanks

TouringAccord

yep, no problem.

lax1089

ok so i cleaned the passages and the runner really well using hondadudes instructions and its still throwing the same code. do i need to replace the egr valve?

lax1089

bump

lowered94accord

try clearing the code and see if it comes back on..that should have taken care of it..it did for me anyways

TouringAccord

Did you reset the ecu after you did this? Or did the code reappear after resetting the ecu and cleaning the egr passages?

lax1089

well i went to autozone and the guy plugged in the diagnostic thing and got the code. i aksed him to reset it but i dont think he did because as soon as i turned my car on the light came on.
can i do it myself somehow?

TouringAccord

you could try pulling the ecu fuse for a few minutes and see if that resets the ecu. if not you can just disconnect the negative terminal from the battery for a few, that should reset the ecu.

lax1089

alright pulled the fuse for 20 minutes and put it back in but immediatly check engline light comes on when i start the car. could it be a different part of the egr system trhan the ports?

TouringAccord

the egr valve itself.

YeuEmMaiMai

you can use TB cleaner to clean the carbon deposits out of the valve but most of the time the valve fails becuase of the internal diaphram breaks.

lax1089

alright so i had autozone delete the code so if it comes back on i know its the valve. it looks easy to replace but costs 100 bucks which sucks.

TouringAccord

yeah, it's easy to replace. make sure you get a new gasket as well if you replace the egr valve.

lax1089

is it true that since the egr concerns emissions (in some way) that i could get it done free at honda (since im under 150k)?

TouringAccord

the egr valve does have to do with emissions but I don't know how that would get the work done for free at Honda. Do they have some sort of warranty on emission parts for your year/model Accord?

blang4d

I had the same problem with my 98 LX. Mine has about 104k miles and the dealership here wouldn't do it for free.

hecubus

did you clean out the egr manifold as well? mine was completely clogged up as well as the ports

hondadude

Here is a link to the TSB that outlines the extended emission warranty;

http://members.troublecodes.ne...1.gif

lax1089

about a month before i started having problems with the egr i brought my car in for the emissions tune up (plugs, wires, filters, dist cap). does that void me from getting a free repair? i called them today and asked about the extended warranty and they just said..no.