DTC P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient. Buick LeSabre 2000

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2000 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient

Circuit Description

The PCM tests the EGR system during deceleration by momentarily commanding the EGR valve open while monitoring the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor signal. When the EGR valve is opened, the PCM should see a proportional increase in MAP. If the expected increase in MAP is not seen, the PCM notes the amount of error that was detected and adjusts an internal fail counter towards a fail threshold level. When the fail counter exceeds the fail threshold level, the PCM will set DTC P0401. The number of test samples required to accomplish this may vary according to the amount of detected flow error.

Normally, the PCM will only allow one EGR flow test sample to be taken during an ignition cycle. To aid in verifying a repair, the PCM allows twelve test samples during the first ignition cycle following a scan tool Clear Info or a battery disconnect. Between nine and twelve samples should be sufficient for the PCM to determine adequate EGR flow and pass the EGR test if the system is operating correctly.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No TP sensor, VSS, Misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, Idle speed, EGR Pintle Position, ECT sensor, Fuel injector faults, CKP sensor, or MAF sensor DTCs set.

•	The BARO is more than 70 kPa (10.15 psi).

•	The ngine coolant temperature is more than 75°C (167°F).

•	The engine speed is between 1000-1400 RPM.

•	The idle air control (IAC) position is steady.

•	The vehicle speed is more than 40.23 km/h (25 mph).

•	The throttle is closed.

•	The commanded state of the A/C relay is steady.

•	The transaxle gear and torque converter clutch (TCC) state is steady.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) changes monitored during the EGR flow test indicate insufficient EGR flow.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the first trip in which the diagnostic test runs and fails.

•	The PCM will store conditions that were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic runs and passes.

•	The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

•	The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Information function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: If the EGR valve shows signs of excessive heat, check the exhaust system for blockages A plugged catalytic converter may be the cause. Use the Restricted Exhaust System Check .

To verify a repair, clear the information with the scan tool and run the EGR flow test keeping the following items in mind:

•	The PCM will only run the EGR flow test during a gradual deceleration.

•	The PCM will only run the EGR test during a closed throttle condition.

•	The PCM will only run the EGR test at vehicle speeds above 25 MPH.

•	Between 9 and 12 deceleration cycles will be necessary to run a sufficient number of EGR flow test samples.

•	The EGR Test Counter displayed on the scan tool can be useful in verifying that the EGR flow test is running and for keeping track of the number of test samples taken. The counter will increment each time a test sample is taken.

Check for the following conditions:

•	Vacuum restriction to the MAP sensor--A restriction to the MAP sensor can cause the EGR flow test to fail due to insufficient MAP changes being monitored during the test. Check for objects blocking the vacuum to the MAP sensor. Also check for kinked or pinched MAP sensor vacuum hoses, if equipped.

•	A poor connection at PCM or the EGR Valve--Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to check for correct terminal tension.

•	A damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the Actual EGR Position display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the EGR valve. A change in the display will indicate the location of the malfunction.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition occurs that caused the DTC to set . This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

DTC P0401 - EGR Flow Insufficient Detected

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Inspect the exhaust system for modification of original installed parts or leaks.
If a problem was found, repair exhaust system as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

Remove the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
Visually and physically inspect the following items:

•	The pintle, the valve passages and the adapter for excessive deposits or any kind of a restriction.

•	The EGR valve gasket and pipes for leaks.

If a problem is found, clean or replace EGR system components as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

Remove the EGR inlet and outlet pipes from the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold.
Inspect the manifold EGR ports and the EGR inlet and outlet pipes for a blockage caused by excessive deposits or other damage.
If a problem is found, correct the condition as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 5

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
Clear DTC and monitor EGR Test Count display on the scan tool while operating the vehicle as specified in DTC P0401 Diagnostic Aids.
Continue operating the vehicle until 9 -12 test samples have been taken.
Select scan tool Specific DTC information for DTC P0401.

Does scan tool indicate the DTC P0401 Test Ran and Passed?

System OK

Go to Step 2