Hey can any one help me with this the code that comes up says insuffencient egr flow. I've read that replacing the egr doesn't always fix the problem. If it makes any difference the car sat for a long period of time before i bought it what should i do. I have to get the light to go out in order to pass the RI emissions test.

 

A black magic marker in the right spot? No not really

Youre worried if it really the EGR and why replace it if it may not really be the problem? Heres an easy trick. Remove one of the battery clamps from the battery and leave it off for several minutes. Reclamp the battery clamp. This resets the codes. Also your radio stations and the clock but thats beside the point.

If there really IS a problem the light will come back on. And if this happens then consider fixing it. But the Check engine light may stay off for good. Wouldnt be the first time a CEL came on for no reason.

 

I like the marker idea lol how ever it wouldn't help it pass emissions. I begen doing some testing on the egr system and found a faulty vacuum control module i replaced it and the light came back on again. i'm currently getting codes for EGR insuffecent flow. And a couple about the evap system which i will begine to look into tom. It is my general understanding that they both use similar vsv(vaccum switching valves) and i have a strong feeling this is the culprit on at least the egr side due to that fact that i tested the egr valve using a vacuum pump and i replaced the VCM it is my understaing that there are only three components to the egr system on my 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. Also i found somewhere that there is a recall on many toyota camry and other models for the evap system but, as my ****ty luck would have it my car manifacture date is five months after the recall date! Any help would be appreciaded. So far i've done the VCM and changed the gas cap. tom. i'm going to check and maybe just replace all the vacuum lines.

 

Hi Mike, I was wondering if you were ever able to figure out the problem. I have a 96 i4 camry with about the same exact miles as you do. The motor is throwing the same EGR Flow Insufficient code. I am wondering if it is the EGR exactly becuase like you said, it may not correct the problem. THe vacuum seems fine as well. Im wondering if you ever had to fix the VCM or the VSV. Thanks again for your help.

Frank.

 

EGR insufficient flow is almost always caused by an intermitantlysticking EGRVSV. It's tucked away behind the engine and can be a pain in the *** to replace without it racked up in the air.

JJ

 

On my 97 Camry 2.2 4cyl, I've replaced with all new dealer parts the EGR Valve, EGR Modulator and the VSV trying to get rid of that dreaded P0401 code. Since I changed all three related parts, is there anything else I can look for? BTW, I was able to get NYS inspection after driving about 20 miles, now the code is back.[/align]

 

Here's something else to try in order to get rid of P0401 or P0402. Take off the EGR valve and blow out the passages behind it. Sometimes the passage from the EGR into the intake manifold will clog up with crud and then it will throw the code. Also, on some models, there will be a hose connected to the EGR that runs to a sensor. Make sure that the hose is open as well as where it connects to the EGR. While you have the EGR off, clean it up real good and make sure it's working. See if you can move it with your fingers.

 

It sounds like this is a common problem, but I have not heard of any definitive answers. Or at least no one replying with "Yes! That worked! Thanks!"

I am having the same problem and I really need to sell my 1998 Camry by the end of the year and this is obviously causing issues. We have been driving with the CEL on for over a year now and have not had any issues.

Our mechanic is able to get it to go off long enough for it to pass inspection. He has looked at numerous things and "fixed" what he thought was causing the problem. He even refunded us money because what he "fixed" did not work. It was racking his brain so much that he said if we'd bring it in for him to look at it he would not charge us for the time, because he really wanted to figure it out. So, he has spent a lot of time with it and has concluded that it is just a computer problem. The way he explained it is that the computer is supposed to adjust itself as the car increases in miles and it is not doing that. So, whatever the computer is "catching" would be expected if it was a newer car, but it should be "letting it go" (those are my words as I understand it in quotes, not the mechanics) because it is older. Does that make sense?

So, our mechanic thinks to get it fixed we have to take it to a dealer and have them fix the computer. I really don't want to do that because I'm sure it's not cheap, but I may have to in order to sell the car.

Thoughts?

 

Typically the issue is carbon build up causing the EGR valve to freeze or plug the passages that route the exhaust gases.

The VSV is another failure point.

 

is it safe to use carb cleaner on the EGR valve, to get rid of carbon easier?