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Can not shake P0401 Code

T

tbirdjayc

CEG'er
Joined
May 26, 2003
Messages
39
I'm at my wit's end. 2000 SVT. Got a P0401 EGR flow code. I've reset the computer twice to make sure it's recent.

I've done the following:
Treated fuel with Berrymans
Replaced EGR Valve
Replaced EGR Solenoid
Replaced DPFE Sensor (new style plastic)
Cleaned the EGR port with TB cleaner, and snaked it.
Cleaned the EGR tube with TB cleaner, and snaked it.
Cleaned the TB with TB cleaner.
Cleaned all electrical connectors.

Still, I get the P0401 code. Engine seems to be running perfectly otherwise.

So what's left for me to do? Is it possible the new DPGE sensor is also bad? I double checked that I hooked the 2 rubber tubes up to it in the correct order, should I triple check this? Can those rubber tubes get carbon build up?

How can I check the voltage across the sensor with the engine running?

What else can I check?

Unfortunately if i cant get this car to pass emissions, its off to Kars for Kids.

EDIT: OK after some reading it seems people go one step further and remove the TB itself, and clean the intake passages from that side. I will try that. I will also try the suck test on the EGR. If that passes (killing the motor), does that narrow it back down to the DPFE?
 
P0401 is a insufficent EGR flow code. This just about always points to the passages behind the tb being blocked. The EGR valve itself is just about never an issue, believe the same true for the solenoid. It can sometimes be the DPFE sensor but not often.

So yes, remove the tb and clean the EGR passages, this should take care of the issue. This is the most appropriate way to deal with this code, imho.
 
Thanks, I'll give it a try tomorrow. Should I remove the EGR again to make sure none of the carbon gets pushed into it?
 
if you want you can. you could also pull the UIM and LIm and clean them also, but make sure to use new gaskets.

But you should be fine with pulling the tb and cleaning the egr passages. make sure to get a new gasket.
 
Thanks for the help. Those passages right behind the throttle plate were absolutely clogged up. I took the opportunity to clean the TB also. So far the EGR system has finished its readiness test and is no longer throwing a code. Any hints on how to get the rest of the emissions sensors to finish their readiness tests?
 
just drive the car, they will run. Also you can check with your state but here in CT one can pass emisions testing with 2 tests not complete. There is one test that takes a long time to complete. So as long as most of them have been completed, like egr, O2 sensors, cats, etc then you should be fine.
 
BrApple said:
just drive the car, they will run. Also you can check with your state but here in CT one can pass emisions testing with 2 tests not complete. There is one test that takes a long time to complete. So as long as most of them have been completed, like egr, O2 sensors, cats, etc then you should be fine.
Click to expand...

I live in CT too.

O2, HTR, EVA, CAT are still blinking. EGR is solid now, which means my P0401 code is fixed at least.
 
iirc, the evaperative emisions test takes the longest. the O2 and cat test should run soon after you have been driving the car iirc.
 
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