P0401 “Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected”
What is code P0401?
Code P0401 stands for “Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected”. This diagnostic trouble code can show up for reasons related to the exhaust gas recirculation, or “EGR” system on your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to have a qualified technician diagnose the specific problem that caused the code to be stored in your vehicle’s computer.
Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.
What does code P0401 mean?
If a diagnostic scan of your vehicle indicates a code P0401, it signals to a technician that there is something going on with your exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
The EGR system helps your engine to run efficiently, consume less fuel, and emit fewer emissions. It does this by recirculating a small amount of exhaust gas back to the intake system and mixes it with the air that enters the combustion chambers. As a result, combustion temperatures are reduced, and less of the hazardous nitrogen oxide gas is produced as a byproduct. This allows for a cleaner and more efficient exhaust system. EGR systems are controlled either electronically or by vacuum, depending on your vehicle make, model, and age
If your vehicle’s ECM (Engine Control Module) detects that the EGR system is not sending enough exhaust gas to the intake (often caused by a buildup of carbon in the system), it will store code P0401 and turn on the check engine light.
What causes code P0401?
A number of causes can trigger a code P0401. That is why an accurate diagnosis is essential. Causes of this code include:
Most likely
- Faulty, fouled, or plugged EGR valve ($200-$500)
- Vacuum leak to the EGR valve
- Carbon-plugged EGR tube (Avg. $250)
Other possibilities
- Plugged EGR cooler
- Faulty Differential EGR Pressure Feedback sensor
- Bad EGR temperature sensor
What symptoms are associated with this code?
Common signs associated with a code P0401 include the following:
- The check engine light is on or flashing
- Reduced fuel economy
- Spark knock or “pinging” from the engine under a load
- Engine runs roughly and might be hard to start
How does a technician diagnose code P0401?
If a diagnostic scan of your vehicle indicates a code P0401, a technician will perform tests to pinpoint the problem. These tests include checking for any related trouble codes. The technician will also visually inspect the EGR system and look for any loose or cracked vacuum lines in the engine compartment. A multimeter might be used to run tests on the EGR valve, and the technician might manually open the valve while the engine is running to see if there are any changes to engine speed. If necessary, the technician might need to remove the EGR valve, cooler, and tubes to clean or inspect.
How serious is this code?
In many cases, a code P0401 will not cause any major drivability problems. On the other hand, issues with the EGR system can cause a drop in fuel economy, which will show up over time. Engine Pre-ignition (also known as spark knock or pinging), if left untreated, can cause serious damage to internal components, such as the pistons and valves. While this code is not necessarily a cause for immediate concern, it should not be ignored. Therefore, it is recommended that you have your vehicle inspected and serviced as soon as it is reasonable to do so, typically within one to two weeks.
Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.
Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes
P0400 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction
P0402 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected
P0403 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit
