I have a egr flow code, I was told too try cleaning it. is the egr valve a part that is common to go bad on my car? Or would cleaning it be a good place to start?

Hi Joe

Like all solenoid valves, you can clean them with throttle body cleaner and then test the solenoid electronically with a 12 volt supply.

P0401 Exhaust EGR Flow Insufficient

Toyota Nation Forum https://www.toyotanation.com > threads > p0401-exha...
May 1, 2014 - The sensor is how the ECM determines there's insufficient EGR flow. It's on the intake-side of the system and if not enough exhaust-gases flow ...

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P0401 : EGR Flow Insufficient on 1996 Toyota Corolla

OBD-Codes.com https://www.obd-codes.com > forums > viewtopic
Jan 20, 2007 - on EGR codes, we recommend replacing the EGR, vacuum modulator and VSV (if equipped) and cleaning out the carbon buildup to the intake from the ...
If that finds nothing wrong, remove the EGR valve and bypass tube and check them for cleanliness and blockages. If they are blocked, follow your maintenance manual's instructions for cleaning them out so you do not damage the valve, then replace them and reset the ECM.

Insufficient EGR Flow - P0401 Code - Toyota

Depends on the year,make,model and engine size to determine the reason for the insufficient EGR flow which sets a p0401 engine code. If it is a Ford vehicle the most common failure is a bad DPFE sensor. If it is a GM vehicle with an electronic EGR valve, the valve is usually bad. Most imports use a EGR temp sensor which ends up being a bad sensor or vacuum line to the valve. Send me more info and I will be glad to help you fix the problem.

cleanout egr valve and troutle body . Or replace egr with new one, clean, check vacumm lines , check for clogged check , depending on modle of car you can pippoint problem as some have a common part problem depeding with make of car. But all have to do with exaust system. Insufficient flow exaust flow. Im not an expert, all I know it is related to this, I have it myself so im googling it.

Ford EGR valve

The OBDII fault code P0401 means that the engine computer has detected that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system flow is insufficient. Read more how the EGR system works below. What could cause the code P0401 - clogged or restricted EGR passages
- faulty EGR valve
- EGR valve stuck closed
- problems with the DPFE sensor (Ford)
- problems with hoses to the DPFE sensor (Ford)
- problem with the EGR vacuum switching valve (Toyota)
- clogged catalytic converter
- carboned up EGR temperature sensor
- vacuum supply issues at the vacuum-operated EGR valve
- electrical problems with the EGR valve control circuit
- engine computer problems
helpful website helps you with pinpoint and sou;ution related to auto make and model shows you most common cause of code reading.
www.samarins.com

A code P0401 likely means one ormore of the following has happened:

• The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
• There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
• The EGR valve is faulty
• The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vacuum

PossibleSolutionsTo fix this code, it is quite commonfor people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. TheEGR valve is not always the culprit.

• Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticeable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
• Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
• Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
• Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
• Replace the EGR valve

it may help to tell what engine you have. P0401 doesnt mean the egr valve was bad, it means the egr isnt opening for some reason OR not flowing. Egr valves rarely are "bad" check if all vacuum lines are connected and clear. the egr vacuum solenoid is famous for being bad. als make sure the passage from the egr valve to the intake manifold is clean and flowing. Its like flushing a toilet thats clogged.. All the valves are working, but its not flowing.

After you have made the repairs go back to Advance Auto and have them remove this stored trouble code .Most places will remove them from your computer for free.

Exhaust gas recirculation flow excessive. First things to check is your vacuum hoses to egr position sensor (Dpfe sensor) Egr solenoid & egr valve. If they are off, melted or sucked in they need to be replaced. Usually a specific code will be set for that but not always. Of the three the dpfe sensor also known as egr position sensor is the most common & easiest to replace. Next in order is the egr solenoid. Lastly if it comes to changing egr valve make sure to clean all carbon build up in cavity that egr mounts to. They commonly plug up.

P0401- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Dectected
Possible causes - Harness or connectors (EGR volume control valve circuit is open or shorted.)
- EGR volume control valve stuck closed
- EGR volume control solenoid valve
- Dead (Weak) battery
- EGR passage clogged
- Exhaust gas leaks Possible solution - Clean EGR Valve
- Repair EGR harness or connector
- Replaced EGR volume control solenoid valve
- Replaced EGR volume control valve
Code P0171- Fuel Injection System Too Lean Bank 1 Possible causes - Intake air leaks
- Front Heated oxygen sensor may be faulty
- Injectors may be faulty
- Exhaust gas leaks
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Lack of fuel
- Mass air flow sensor may be faulty
- Incorrect PCV hose connection Possible solution Dirty air filter of faulty air flow sensor are common causes of the problem P0174- Fuel Injection System Too Lean Bank 2 Possible causes - Intake air leaks
- Front Heated oxygen sensor may be faulty
- Injectors may be faulty
- Exhaust gas leaks
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Lack of fuel
- Mass air flow sensor may be faulty
- Incorrect PCV hose connection Possible solution Dirty air filter of faulty air flow sensor are common causes of the problem.

A very common issue that can cause this code is the EGR valve but most commonly the DPFE Sensor differential pressure feedback egr. For the evap code would make sure no lines may have been disconnected while replacing the egr valve. It is possible the the evap code may be a separate issue.

P0404 is Exhaust Gas Recirculation range/performance. This is usually due to the EGR valve moving slower then it should (sticking). You can try to clean it (the rod will need to move freely and don't spin the rod, it will damage the valve, just move it up and down) but if it doesn't work out then look for price and availability for a new one.