Jordan4444

Hi,
Just signed up to the forums. From what I've read so far seems to be a very resourceful community. I, like many others have the infamous P0401 code and would like go about fixing this myself. Now I know there are a lot of similar threads but hear me out. I haven't spent a lot of time working on cars but know how to use a wrench and I can follow step-by-step guides. I'm after the pdf that has been posted throughout the forums for the 99 Acura TL3.2. I'm having a difficult time finding it elsewhere in the forums because all of the links are broken. I've found similar threads on how to clean the egr but the guides are not specific to my model and year. I'm afraid this is going to confuse the hell out of me as things are in different places. I'm sure an experienced mechanic would say well an intake manifold is an intake manifold and a egr valve is an egr valve but I'm looking for a step-by-step bolt-by-bolt guide. Would anybody be so kind to repost the link to the pdf?

Thanks,
Jordan

Jordan4444

P.S. - ECL just came on a couple days ago and cars has about 195,000km on it. I bought it couple months ago at 190,000 and everything was running very smoothly.

01tl4tl

in the main gen2 list, 3rd item down `OFFICIAL DIY LIST` link
see `thermoblock install and egr cleaning`
ignore part about spacer install and removing studs

manifold removed, throttlebody removed to service it too
clean passages and port as directed till flows fully
the pics are a 99 with its single port
lube cables etc
a torque wrench accurate at 16 lbs is needed

01tl4tl

to reset ECU/ clear codes and ck eng light after,
remove CLOCK fuse on passenger end of dash for a minute

Jordan4444

Thanks for all the info guys! I'm going to attempt this shortly but I just want to make sure I have everything. In that thread it tells me to remove the throttle body. I also read that if I remove the throttle body I have to buy a new gasket for it? Is this the case?

Jordan4444

Did some reading and answered my own question. It is possible to do it without replacing the gasket if its in good shape but best to replace it. This brings me to another question, is it possible to remove the intake manifold and clean the egr port without removing the throttle body and all of the tubes connected to the engine? (of course id have to remove all the ones connected to the upper manifold)

Jordan4444

ive read its a good idea to clean the throttle body as well but if i can get away with just cleaning the egr port....

01tl4tl

its way easier to remove the tb and manifold as one unit
then seperate on the workbench

the iacv is on bottem of TB and that needs cleaning for sure
get its cover gasket in case of damage- dealer item

buy 2 tb spacer gaskets, one per side, they will tear

get 3 cans carb cleaner and a wire coat hanger to ram thru the entire length of egr passage,,you are doing more than just a port

total diy time at casual pace 1.5 - 2 hours with breaks!

Jordan4444

Thanks! Called a factory parts outlet and they said they'd have to order them. Rather get it from the dealership anyhow. Went to a local acura dealership around 3pm and the service center closed at 1pm because its saturday. It's a long weekend so im going to go back on tuesday and order them. Was hoping to get it done this weekend but that's life I suppose. Will keep you posted.

Jordan4444

Got the gaskets! Took it all apart, cleaned it up, put it back together, pulled clock fuse, no check engine light has come back on in a full day of driving. Think I got just about all the buildup. Thanks for all the help!

Jordan4444

Disappointed. The check engine light came back on yesterday. I don't have an odb scanner and had previously borrowed one from a friend so unfortunately I don't no if it's P0401 or not. Ill have to pick one up over the weekend. I'm thinking it's the egr port... although I did use a wire coat hanger to clean... Perhaps I missed some build-up somewhere.

For some reason after driving between 80-120km/h as soon as I take my foot off the gas pedal and let the car idle the traction control light comes on and stays on until I turn off the car. When start it no tcs light until I get up to speed and take my foot off the gas again. Strange no?

Another issue which is realllyyy scaring me is when i come to a stop and shift from "drive" to "park" there is a very loud and distinct "click". Same goes for shifting from "park" to "drive". Is this a transmission issue?

Car has about 195,000km on it. If I can get it fixed up so it runs smoothly I'm selling it before I start running into more issues.

01tl4tl

did you run the coat hanger thru the entire length of the manifold
so it went from open end all the way to the holes where egr valve sits on manifold?

not just poked out a single egr port hole?

anywhere but CA and Canada, parts store will do code scan for free

do a motor mount inspection/testing for the click noise
front mount very common failure
we have special fluid filled vac boosted front and rear mounts!!