hashrock

So for about 2 months I've had a CEL (EGR, Insufficient Flow)... anyway....it's prevented me from getting my vehicle inspected here in North Carolina, and I'm way overdue. The fines are quite hefty if you get caught. Anyway, one day after work the light magically goes away, and I race as fast as I can to the inspection station and get my car inspected, and it passed without any problems. But here's the kicker, not 3 miles after I get my car inspected, it comes back. But basically, now I'm not rushed to get a $300 job by a mechanic done.

Anyway, the point is, if you have a light and you need to get inspected, just be patient and it might go away. But get what you need to get done quick!

Oh, I'm not quite sure what the EGR problem is really doing to my car. I have 195k on it, and it still gives me 22/26 mpg. Can I really get much better than that? What bigger problems will it lead to if I don't get it fixed?

UnsanePyro

For gas milage like that, you don't get too much better.

I don't know what larger problems it will lead to, but I beleve you can clean it yourself.

03CoupeV6

Had a Camry with this problem for all of 70,000 miles before it was finally fixed completely. Car stalled sometimes, and I'm inclined to believe that the EGR had something to do with that as it hasn't done it since. Otherwise, it presented no problem except the damn CEL that would stare me in the face when I drove it. Luckily, that wasn't often.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

u put different gas in it??? maybe a higher grade gas flushed it out???

TexasHonda

Insufficent EGR flow (what code?) usually means the EGR manifold or runners are blocked w/ carbon crud. Later model Hondas and Acuras have relatively easy access to clean the EGR system. Cleaning EGR shouldn't cost $300, but I do all my own work so don't have any evidence to the contrary. The 2.5TL looks to be a snap. I don't have a 3.2TL manual, but suspect it will be somewhat more difficult.

Constant running w/ EGR blocked will cause the engine control to retard the timing slightly to avoid pinging, so there might be some small loss of gas mileage. I don't think it would harm the engine. Combustion gets hotter, but retarding the timing will cool combustion, and probably prevent any valve damage. On older cars, running w/ EGR blocked caused lots of pinging and in worst cases, burnt valves.

regards

97tl3.2

That may be covered under the 150,000 mile emissions warranty.

03CoupeV6

The Camry also had that extended 14/150k emissions warranty and the EGR stuff did not fall under that.. go figure.

hashrock

To answer some questions, I think the light came on after I put a tank of regular in there and about halfway through that tank the light came on (I'd just bought the car...who knew?) . I've put nothing but premium ever since (about 5 tanks worth).

The warranty is way past for me I have over 195k on it. But I think given my mileage and quality of ride, the previous owner probably took great care of the car.

The error code is P404 if memory serves me correct. The 3.2L is supposedly a little trickier so that's why I was being charged so much. I called 2 Honda/Acura specialists and they both said the same thing. Should I go to some generic mechanic to have him look at the car? If the EGR valve and chamber is that easy to clean out, then perhaps I should just do that.

The car tends to takes 3 or 4 clicks to start up sometimes...I wonder if that is EGR related? Otherwise, I see no other issues. I love it.

03CoupeV6

If the code is P0401 it's EGR related. That code CAN come and go depending on how bad the situation is.

On the other hand if you don't tighten the gas cap, the light will come on, and then later after it's been tightened it will go away on its own. Are you sure this wasn't the problem?

Just an FYI for all of you guys again - the octane rating of the gas has absolutely NOTHING to do with the CEL.