Check engine light EGR P0401 intermittent code on 97 Toyota Camry
This P0401 egr code means insufficient egr flow at the egr valve. Problem is, it won’t show all the time and egr components look OK. How do you check this without the expensive tools?
Symptoms:
Check engine light coming on after engine gets hot
P0401 code detected
Basic Concept:
On this model, the egr system is composed of an egr valve the opens vacuum from exhaust to intake manifold, a vacuum modulator that regulates the amount of vacuum introduced to the egr valve and finally the egr vsv (vacuum switching valve) solenoid that directs vacuum flow to the egr valve after a command from the ecm. A quick way to test this is to manually pump 3-4 inches of vacuum to the egr valve during idle and the engine should stall. This shows the egr valve is working. The modulator itself is nothing but a regulator valve that that reduces the engine vacuum from 18-19 inches to 3-4 inches needed by the egr valve. This modulator pressure can be checked by teeing a fitting and measured by a vacuum gage.
Finally, the vsv solenoid can be tested with an ohmmeter to check the resistance of the windings. However, it is reported that this part has a high attrition rate because of it’s exposure to heat causing intermittent movement of the shaft inside. This is the part that should be checked thoroughly and replaced if possible.
To get location and wiring diagram of the vsv solenoid, get hold of a Toyota service manual or contact ATS.
Symptoms:
Check engine light coming on after engine gets hot
P0401 code detected
Basic Concept:
On this model, the egr system is composed of an egr valve the opens vacuum from exhaust to intake manifold, a vacuum modulator that regulates the amount of vacuum introduced to the egr valve and finally the egr vsv (vacuum switching valve) solenoid that directs vacuum flow to the egr valve after a command from the ecm. A quick way to test this is to manually pump 3-4 inches of vacuum to the egr valve during idle and the engine should stall. This shows the egr valve is working. The modulator itself is nothing but a regulator valve that that reduces the engine vacuum from 18-19 inches to 3-4 inches needed by the egr valve. This modulator pressure can be checked by teeing a fitting and measured by a vacuum gage.
Finally, the vsv solenoid can be tested with an ohmmeter to check the resistance of the windings. However, it is reported that this part has a high attrition rate because of it’s exposure to heat causing intermittent movement of the shaft inside. This is the part that should be checked thoroughly and replaced if possible.
To get location and wiring diagram of the vsv solenoid, get hold of a Toyota service manual or contact ATS.
posted by Rich at 5:46 AM
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