Eagles76

Check engine light came on a couple weeks ago. Took it to Autozone and the code came back P0401, EGR flow insufficient. Made an appointment with Acura to get it cleaned out and replace the valve, cost is $160 + 47.50 for 1/2 charge on diagnostoc test.

My question is before I left Autozone I had them clear the code and the check engine light has not come back on yet. It's been over two weeks and I figured the light would come back on in a few days. Do you think I should get this service done anyway? What is the benefit to the car? Am I just delaying a future problem with the car by not taking care of this now?

Thanks

seattle dale

don't know man, my wife has a 2000 tlp & every once in a while the check engine light comes on for no apparent reason. the car is running great. All i do is disconnect the positive battery terminal wire for a few minuets & then reconnect it, thus resetting the light. Only pain is having to reset the radio with a code, but no biggy.

optomos

It will come back. Your intake manifold holes for the EGR are clogged with carbon. What year is your car. The 99 tl's have an extended warranty for this up to 80k which is what I did so it cost 0. Other then that you can take the manifold out yourself and clean it, but in another 70-80k it will come back unless the updated EGR is installed.

Lawaia

If you want to DIY, these links may be of help.
http://www.acurainspired.com/forums/...showtopic=4003
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...light=cleaning

Eagles76

I am aware of the extended warranty on my car and under normal circumstances I would qualify as it is a '99 Tl with 75k on it. Unfortunately, my car is from Canada, which can be a problem in the US. When you buy from a wholesaler, they don't tell you that stuff. I have tried every angle but no dice with the dealer. I even asked for a goodwill consideration...fat chance. I'm no mecanic either so DIY instructions are useless for me.

Anyway, I know the holes are clogged but I was just wondering what the benefit for the car is. I was thinking of selling the car or trading it in as I just found out that my car does not qualify for an extended warranty if the transmission blows either and I don't feel like driving on a ticking timebomb...

optomos

Are you serious? All because it's from Canada?!

Have you talked to Acura Client Services?

sbuswell

if you have a 99 tl then tranny worries are minor. egr cleaning is very easy. i am no mechanic but i found it very easy to do it yourself. 9 bolts have to be taken off and a few hoses(small ones) and you are there. give it a try or just sell it.

PenancE

yea do it when u get good weather, i did mine jus like sbus said it...

Eagles76

Thanks -

I think I can just suck up the $160 for getting the EGR cleaned out by the dealer. Acura in Framingham, MA are pretty good dudes. They have not tried to screw me over like Acura of Boston has so many times in the past.

Getting this service done is probably good for the car in the long run so I might as well do it. Who knows how long it will take to sell a seven year old car with almost 80K miles on it.