# OBD-II Code P0401

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** code, camry\
**Created:** [May 30, 2010, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585 "2010-05-30T01:28:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![067111](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/67e7ee/32.png) [@067111](https://community.cartalk.com/u/067111)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585/1 "2010-05-30T01:28:53Z")

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A few weeks ago, check engine light went on and OBD-II scanner read a code - P0401; Exhaust: Gas Recirculation ? insufficient flow detected. I cleaned the EGR valve. The light went off immediately. However, after a week check engine light returned with the same code. The EGR valve appears to hold vacuum. Is this the end of DIY project or is there something else I should try before it goes to a pro? Thank you for your suggestion in advance.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585/2 "2010-05-30T01:40:15Z")

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Remove the valve can clean the passages with a coat hanger, especially any external tubes which you may have to replace or ignore depending on your emissions test status…Low flow in the EGR is NOT a life threatening event…

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 1:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585/3 "2010-05-30T01:45:47Z")

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You’re pulling an EGR so you can likely do more. Go buy a $20 repair manual at an auto parts store. It should give you a set of steps to follow to check the system. Caddyman gave you one part of the system - all of the lines and passages running from the valve. I don’t know the camry system but it likely also has some type of sensor and solenoid - those can be tested. A repair manual should tell you how. (You might need a multimeter as well).

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**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd-ii-code-p0401/49585/4 "2010-05-30T15:59:25Z")

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For Camry manuals try here:  
[http://www.camrystuff.com/](http://www.camrystuff.com/)