I've got a P0401 EGR code triggering the CEL in a 99 TL. I've cleaned the EGR passages and valve and reset the CEL by both pulling the radio fuse and disconnecting the battery. The CEL came back on after a recent drive and the P0401 code is back. I've been told that resetting by pulling the fuse/battery does not clear the code in ROM and I have to complete five cold start drive cycles to clear it. Can anyone clarify this as my next step is to replace the EGR valve.

Thanks....

 

It's the clock fuse(#13 on the passenger side) to reset the ecu. Pull it and wait a few minutes before you put it back. The ecu will reset if the code does not come back and there are no new codes.

 

I've done that and the code came back the second time I drove the car. That's the point of my confusion... if I reset it by pulling the radio fuse and the P0401 code is back on the second drive do I still have an EGR problem or have I not have had enough cold starts to clear it.

 

I would start by analyzing the problem then. Have you got a copy of the service manual? Get yourself a copy. I've learned from these guys that the codes are sometimes clues and not always the actual diagnosis. Use the search, see what you find.

 

I just has the same problems with my 97 RL and sorry to say you have more work to do to clear the P0401 code. My problem was at the intake end of the line that feeds the EGR, there was total carbon blockage. It was a very difficult job on the RL because it is at the lower area of the back of the engine near the firewall with very little space to work. Had to remove all the vacuum controls and lines. After finally removing the line below the egr, I had to hand drill about 4 inches inside to open up the passage way. That was what was restricting the air flow to the egr as stated for this code. good luck

 

You still have a problem. By pulling the "Clock Backup" fuse (not radio) or disconnecting the battery (you only need to do one or the other) for a few min it will reset the ECU. If the light comes back on you still have a issue.

 

Thanks for the answers, I suspected the fuse pull (oops- my mistake it wasn't the radio fuse.) did reset things and that either I have a bad EGR valve or a blockage somewhere that I haven't found. I have pulled the intake manifold off and cleaned the EGR port there. It was clogged about 50%. I also pulled the EGR valve itself and cleaned it as well as shooting a half can of throttle body cleaner down the EGR port under the valve. It did not have the clogging seen on the port under the throttle body. I tried to get a flexible line down that port but could get more than a couple of inches into the port. Mo7 - did your EGR value sit on a cast metal base with only an eletrical connection to it or do you have vacuum lines? When you mentioned the line below were you cleaning the port in the cast metal base?

Is there any way to test the EGR valve? I don't want to buy one, replace it, and find the error is still there due to a blockage somewhere but I also don't want to spend a bunch of time trying to find a blockage when it is the valve itself triggering the code.

Are there any drawings that show where these EGR ports go throughout the engine? I chased down a TL Service Manual and it doesn't have anything that helps.

Thanks....

 

i have been dealing with the p0401 code for about a week now. I have already removed the intake manifold and cleaned out the ports there...as well as throughly cleaned the throttle body. Still got the same code after doing all that...so I tried remvoing the egr valve...cleaned it and the port....code still came up. Last step I took was actually replacing the egr valve...$75 bucks at advanced auto....code stayed off for a day...then came back on today .....ARRRRGH...same p0401 code. Anyone have any other suggestions?

 

you didnt remove the egr valve when cleaning the manifold?

that means you only cleaned the ports- not the actual passage from one end of the manifold to the other- right?

thats your problem..needs carb cleaner and wire coat hanger or similar to poke thru the crud
then fully rinse out and DRY manifold before putting it back on the engine

 

Need the drive cycle for a 1999 TL 3.2L

Thanks in advance