I have a 1996 3.2 TL. I just purchased it and the check engine light came on. I went to Autozone and it was a low EGR flow sensor. The EGR seems easy to take off. What's the eastest and best way to clean this out and once cleaned will I have to clear the code or will it go away? Is the only way to clear the code removing the battery cable? I'm afraid if I take it to the dealer it will be a several hundred dolllar job. thanks a bunch!

 

You need to post the code to get help. Was the code P0401 or P1491 perhaps?

If the code was 0401, cleaning EGR and EGR passages may help. If P1491, then cleaning is unlikely to help.

If you don't know the code you can pull your own code by shorting the blue, 2 wire service check connector under the glove box w/ a paper clip or wire. Turn keyswitch to ON, and CEL will flash the codes; long flash for tens digit, short pause, short flashes for units digit. Single digit codes only have short flashes.

You can reset the ECU (clear the code) by pulling the 7.5A BackUp fuse in the underhood fuse/relay box for 20 seconds.

good luck

 

I see you are new to the forum. First welcome, second, learn to do a search.

There is a ton of info on this forum on:

---Code 0401
---EGR Low Flow
---It is not necessarily your EGR valve at all!
---And, get this, this could be under an extended emissions warranty

Personally, I just went through this.

Another way to find the thread would be to search my posts. but in all honesty, there are better ways

 

I did research previous threads but seemed to get several different answers. I am planning on cleaning the EGR with brake cleaner is that a good start? the car has 147,000 on it so I think its out of warranty.

 

thanks for you help it was a P0401 code. should I take off the egr and clean the egr and intake with brake cleaner first? thanks again

 

First, check out the link on the warranty. It is either 150K, 14 years or 140K 15 years.

If it is 150K, do nothing, and drive it directly to the dealer.

Otherwise, you are on the right track. However, when I did it your way, the code came on more frequently. There is a crossover that needs to be removed and cleaned to really do it right.

 

Racerock points out an easy solution. If you've never had the one-time tune-up and emission system fix, you should take advantage of the opportunity.

good luck

 

i got this in the mail..

"if your vehicle fails a state smog check, or the malfunctioning indicator lamp comes on (the amber Check Engine light on the instrument panel), take your vehicle to an Acura dealer.
Under the terms of the warranty extension, the dealer will repair any emission-related problem free of charge (including diagnosis, parts and labor). ..."

anyway, this is for 14 years, or 150k miles.. whichever comes first..

 

Thanks all of you for the great and fantastic information. I called my local dealer and by-damn it's still covered under warranty! now if I can only find the problem behind my ABS lights coming on intermitantly I would be set. thanks again!

 

My CEL just started illuminating about 20 miles ago....do you know if they dealer is going to fix it under warranty if I have already went in for a free tune up/emissions thing? It could just be my o2 sensor or something. Car runs fine...

Should I go to autozone to pull a code or just take it directly to the dealer?

 

Good question. I think they will fix it. You could call the Acura 800 number and they will ask for your VIN and confirm that you are covered.

Yes, pull the code first, that way you know for sure what the code is before going in.

 

I went to Schuck's auto supply last night....weren't really helpful. Pulled the codes, but the guy didn't print it for me. All I remember was P301 and P101, I tried searching it here, but I think I'm missing a digit from the code. I know there was misfiring in cylinder 1. He went on about loose wires or something?

So the emissions warranty work is a one time deal, correct? What happens if the exhaust manifold leaks or the o2 sensor goes out again? Will I have to pay for the next service or is it still covered?

I had the emissions warranty work done about 2 years ago. And since then, I only added about 12K miles...I had my exhaust manifold replaced, but I'm not sure about the o2 sensor.

What is Acura's 800 number?

 

To newcomers: Truly the extended warranty will cover any emission problem, I just benefited from doing a search on this forum.

 

Wow, old thread.

~Cheers~

 

i just change my egr valve and i seafoamed it and i have that p0401. What shld I do? I'm over w/ the warranty too. Can u guys help me? Im getting 16-19 mpg and I think because of that code coz my sis has the same car w/ me and she's getting 20-27 mpg. Pls. help me guys..

 

Take the EGR and the pipe out...the pipe will be caked with gunk. For instructions go over to acura-legend(.)com and check there diy section. Its easy to do but def wear gloves. I F___ED my finger up doin it. LOL take a look at my thread to see the pressure wrapping...!