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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 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
  1. No TP sensor, VSS, Misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, Idle speed, EGR Pintle Position, ECT sensor, Fuel injector fault(s), CKP sensor, or MAF sensor DTC(s) set.
  2. BARO is greater than 70 kPa.
  3. Engine coolant temperature is greater than 75°C (167°F).
  4. Intake air temperture is greater than 80°C (176°F).
  5. Engine speed is between 900 RPM and 1400 RPM.
  6. IAC position is steady.
  7. Vehicle speed is greater than 25 MPH.
  8. The throttle is closed.
  9. Commanded state of the A/C relay is steady.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

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 has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which 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 has been run and passed.
    • 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 Info 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 blockage (possibly a plugged catalytic converter) using the Restricted Exhaust System Check.

To verify a repair, clear info 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.
    • Several deceleration cycles will be necessary to run a sufficient number of EGR flow test samples (9-12).
    • The EGR Test Counter displayed on the scan tool can be useful in determining that the EGR flow test is running and to keep 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.)
    • Poor connection or 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 that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

DTC P0401 - EGR Flow Insufficient Detected

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

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

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2
  1. Inspect the exhaust system for modification of original installed parts or leaks.
  2. If a problem was found, repair exhaust system as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Remove the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
  2. Visually and physically inspect the following items:
    3. • 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.
  3. 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

4
  1. Remove the EGR inlet and outlet pipes from the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold. Refer to EGR Pipes in 3800 Engine On-Vehicle Service.
  2. Inspect the manifold EGR ports and the EGR inlet and outlet pipes for a blockage caused by excessive deposits or other damage.
  3. If a problem is found, correct the condition as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 5

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

5
  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTC and monitor EGR Test Count display on the scan tool while operating the vehicle as specified in DTC P0401 Diagnostic Aids.
  3. Continue operating the vehicle until 9 -12 test samples have been taken.
  4. Select scan tool Specific DTC information for DTC P0401.

Note test result; does scan tool indicate DTC P0401 Test Ran and Passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2