P0401 code and EGR valve

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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 04:58 PM
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P0401 code and EGR valve

hi all. just wanted to let anyone here experiencing this emissions code that you most likely have carbon build up in your EGR valve. i took mine off today and it was all jammed up with black soot. cleaned it up with some wire brushes and throttle body cleaner and reinstalled it...and no more codes!!!
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 05:26 PM
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Any details on how to remove it? I did this on Legend #1, but the main problem is actually the EGR pipe after the valve being completely clogged. Unfortunately on the 2G Legend, the pipe was practically impossible to remove with the engine in because it was longitudinal. Hopefully it is easier on a transverse engine.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by oo7spy
Any details on how to remove it? I did this on Legend #1, but the main problem is actually the EGR pipe after the valve being completely clogged. Unfortunately on the 2G Legend, the pipe was practically impossible to remove with the engine in because it was longitudinal. Hopefully it is easier on a transverse engine.
I had a 1st Gen RL and I totally agree with you on getting to that pipe in the longitudinal engine layout. Fortunately, in the 2nd Gen RL, it is a MILLION times easier. The EGR valve is right there in front of you so it's a breeze to remove... and the "pipe" is built into the right side of the intake manifold. You just take off the top lid (cover) of the intake manifold and there is a hold down the right side that leads to the hole left after your remove the EGR valve. There is no separate pipe. You just spray carb cleaner down that hole and have a towel or napkin at the other end to soak it all up and also wire brush that path between the two holes and you are done. It's a BREEZE compared to the Legend and 1st Gen RL.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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yea, remove the engine cover and you can see it. the EGR is kind of right there on the front-right of the engine. it only has an electrical connection and two bolts holding it down. very easy stuff. i have no experience working on cars.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 06:23 PM
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 06:38 PM
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sorry didnt snap any pictures. its dark now. maybe i can shoot some tomorrow, but honestly its super easy. i got this from the 3G TL side after searching...



i believe you can disregard the parts about a new gasket. here's the post i got it from.. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ight=egr+valve
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 06:53 PM
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I'm sure they will all be doing this now, so there will be plenty o pix.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 06:58 PM
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Well, I don't see a lot of value in doing this on a car with 55k miles, but when Legend #1 has 180k, it was a different story.
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Old Oct 19, 2012 | 02:22 PM
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why not do it now at 55K miles instead of waiting for it to get completely clogged ? it really doesn't take long to do.

when i was at acura, i've seen J-series EGR valves and intake manifold egr pipe completely packed as low as 80K miles
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Old Oct 27, 2012 | 07:39 PM
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Had mine done at dealer under warranty.

Also came w/ new fuel injectors as this is a known issue with a fix.

Might want to call, it could be one of those free unadvertised "extended" warranty things.

Apparently redesigned injectors.
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Old Oct 28, 2012 | 12:14 AM
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^ Need more info, please. What do I need to request to get such a service?
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Old Oct 28, 2012 | 01:06 AM
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Originally Posted by phishfood
Also came w/ new fuel injectors as this is a known issue with a fix.

Apparently redesigned injectors.
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Old Oct 28, 2012 | 10:25 AM
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From: 2006 Acura RL
Originally Posted by HEAVY_RL
Something Acura knows about, see

See post #7, #22, #27 from thread https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/sh-awd-pgm-fi-issue-750910/

TSB 08-006

Though now that its "fixed" on ops car and acura can't see the code, might not be able to get dealer good will fix.
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Old Oct 28, 2012 | 11:34 AM
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good stuff, thanks
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Old Dec 19, 2013 | 08:53 PM
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Not even a month of ownership on my '08 RL and I got this P0401 code. I still have a warranty on it but after reading this thread it seems like something I can do on my own. After doing some searching, I came back with results mainly for the Accord with this code. The majority of DIY's state that I need to remove the intake manifold and along with some carb cleaner and screwdriver, I can clean the hole in question that is clogged up. Just wondering if doing all that is needed to remedy the issue or would doing as the OP described good enough. I'm getting my windows tinted tomorrow so I may just handle this before my appointment.
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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 03:42 PM
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I just got a p0430 code are these the same thing?
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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 04:45 PM
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No, not the same code. P0430 indicates your front (bank 2) catalytic converter failed it's test. You will need to replace it.
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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 07:39 PM
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Is that an easy fix and If I have to buy a converter can I use Honda parts? I was looking the prices what a big difference!
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 07:47 PM
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You can use the Accord V6 or TL-S (J35) cats, but they will reduce performance slightly due to a more constrictive flow.

RV6 makes a high flow cat for the Accord and TL-S that would have to fit since the stock ones are the same.
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 08:02 PM
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Thanks for the information!
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Old Jun 10, 2015 | 02:25 PM
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Resurrecting because I just got this code, along with the Check SH-AWD light. (New owner, second-hand. 107K miles).

I think I've got how to clean the valve itself to remove clogs...does anyone have insight into cleaning the hose out? Pics would be uber-helpful. Thanks guys!
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Old Jun 10, 2015 | 10:25 PM
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I think this may be the closest you get here. Link: https://acurazine.com/forums/second-.../p2413-927776/

If that doesn't cover it, PM Karol.
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 12:39 PM
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P0401

I received this code and it has been intermittent. It'll pop up and then after a few drive cycles it'll go away. Took it to the dealer today to get the air bag recall work done and figured I'd have them look into the intermittent code. So, they came back with $2630 to replace the EGR value and all 6 fuel injectors. I've read the other threads that talk about this being the "recommended" fix but I'm just not buying into replacing all 6 fuel injectors. My car is an '08 with 100900 miles on it.

So, can just the EGR value be done, or more so, just have it cleaned? I saw the other thread where the EGR valve was cleaned but the issue would come back months later.
Is there a way to get the work done cheaper, is there a way to source the parts cheaper? I mean, $2630 is a bit much.

I'm open to ideas. I have a different shop right now that is going to clean the EGR valve and a fuel injector cleaning service (not sure if its anything more than putting something in the gas tank or not)..
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 12:47 PM
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Wow hope they provided lube at that price...


The EGR is very accessible and can be DIY. Sometimes, it's as simple as a piece of carbon getting stuck keeping the valve open. I would just take the two 12mm ( or 14mm) bolts off myeslf and inspect and clean with some carb cleaner.


Don't think the fuel injectors need to be replaced if you're ONLY getting that code.
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 03:59 PM
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^What he said

$2360 WOW.

The EGR can in fact be removed and can be DIY'ed, injectors should be fine with an EGR code alone.
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Old Apr 17, 2017 | 07:57 AM
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So far, so good, I haven't had it throw the code again. I think the EGR and fuel system cleaning may have done the trick. I read on other forums that the J-Series can build up carbon deposits in the EGR ports within the intake but most of the vehicles had 200K miles before anyone was cleaning out the EGR ports. If the code comes back again in short order I may look into seeing if the ports need to be cleaned.
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Old Apr 18, 2017 | 01:21 PM
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My 2005 RL has started getting this code and of course the Emissions alert and the SHAWD alert comes up too. 145K on my RL so I'm assuming a good EGR cleaning will fix this. Hopefully doesn't take too long. *crosses fingers*
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Old Apr 20, 2017 | 05:49 AM
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Originally Posted by ichi d
This always cracks me up. And is always true. lol.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Walfunk
This always cracks me up. And is always true. lol.
I think this thread has the most relevant pics?
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-.../p2413-927776/
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 01:58 PM
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So far one week since the cleaning and still no CEL.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 02:38 PM
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Thinks you're good
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Old May 7, 2017 | 04:53 PM
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The code came back the other day. Ended up getting the EGR valve replaced, CEL hasn't come back since.
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