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Toyota Camry 1997-2001: How to Clean or Replace EGR Valve

Follow these simple instructions to get your Toyota Camry running smoothly and able to pass your next emissions test with flying colors.

By David Weitz - September 18, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

Is your Camry running a little rough? Does it tend to cough and sputter when you're sitting at a stop light? Does it make your heart stop when you try to accelerate quickly and your car acts as if it's about to stall? Chances are very good that you have a clogged or defective EGR valve. This might even be confirmed if your "check engine" light has come on and a simple scan reveals code PO401.

It might possibly be the case that all you need to do is take off the EGR valve and clean out all the gunk or built up carbon. Worst case scenario is you have to replace the valve. In any case, let's take a look at some simple steps to get the job done quickly and inexpensively.

Materials Needed

  • Simple wrench
  • Metric socket set
  • Screwdriver
  • Wire brush

Step 1 – Locate the EGR valve

The EGR valve is near the throttle body. If you follow the intake towards the engine, you'll soon spot the EGR.

Figure 1. Location of your Camry's EGR Valve.

Step 2 – Label hoses

Before taking off the valve, label the necessary hoses so you know how to reconnect them in a few minutes. A quick preventative measure in making sure things get hooked back up correctly. Thank us later.

Figure 2. Label your hoses for future reference.

Step 3 – Clean the valve

Once you remove the valve, take a screwdriver, a wire brush, or some other kind of scraper and clean out all the gunk as well as carbon inside the valve. Exhaust gasses will cake the inside of the valve, and with the heat of the gasses, it hardens into a very solid layer of crud.

Figure 3. An EGR showing all the carbon buildup around the main opening.

Step 4 – Reinstall your EGR valve

Reassemble the EGR valve and the various vacuum hoses surrounding it. You may need to reset the check engine light by undoing the negative (black) terminal on the battery for a few minutes. With everything installed, start the car and watch its behavior. If, after starting your engine, there is no difference in your engine's performance or if the "check engine" light comes back on and you get the same code, you will need to replace the valve.

Step 5 – Replace the EGR valve

If you need to replace the valve, take off the old valve and then install a new EGR valve. You just removed the original one five minutes ago, so this should be pretty easy by now. A brand new EGR valve from Toyota will cost you around $60. However, you might be able to go to your local junkyard and find your replacement there for about $15 to $20. With the new valve installed, again, go through the process outlined above for resetting the check engine light, and then watch your engine's performance. Everything should check out now.

Figure 4. A used part may fit the bill perfectly.

Featured Video: Toyota Camry EGR Lesson

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