Just checked my truck and it threw up the error P0401 which is EGR insufficient flow detected. Well I was wondering what some of the problems could be and how to fix it. If it needs fixing would it just be better to run an ERG delete? thanks.

 

No How would you do that?

 

SCT offers one on there programmers

 

What year and engine?

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0401

 

I don't know if your concerned with fuel mileage or emmisons but the EGR improves mileage a bit.
If you don't have a programmer, would you spent $300 +/- just to zero out the EGR function instead of repairing the problem?
Then after that the PCM is non stock. If there are other troubles that might require a reflash your back to the original program again.
If you sell the truck the next owner is up against the same possibility.
First thing is to understand what the 401 test is.
The test is to check flow rate through an orfice, measure it and tell the computer the result using the DPFE sensor.
If out of limits on the low side it is a low/no flow, setting a 401 code.
Causes are a blocked port behind the EGR, the EGR vacuum regulator, the hoses, DPFE etc.
It's all right on the outside to work on.
Even if you did a delete in program, no hardware need be altered, removed, blocked or touched in any manner..
Good luck.

 

no take of your egr and on the top nipple suck on it and see if it moves up some times does cloge up if not check the little vacume lines i had problems with this and it was that my vacume lines were leaking hope that helps

 

Sort of lol. You attach a section of hose to the valve, ie green line port. Suck on that like your drinking a milkshake. You could do it your way if you abnormally long lips, - or you plant your face into the engine compartment while it's running. THAT would be entertaining.

The two most common problems for the 4.6L, -Bluegrass mentioned them all I believe. The EGR Plenum ports are clogged, or the DPFE is bad.

If the EVR is bad, usually it will stick open and you'll constantly have vacuum at the EGR valve. The vehicle will run like crap.

Those emission lines also crack at times and a leak will cause non-flow, -insufficient.

 

its a 97 4.6. well i would be getting the tune for more than just the EGR delete. but thanks bluegrass, thats really helpful.

 

That was the most common, there's a few more that aren't so common.

 

Just understand. This could easily be fixed without costing you a dime.

Running with or without the EGR system makes no difference at all in performance, - except you could loose your economy, -bad gas mileage.

So the question is, why would you do this knowing what you know now?

 

well i didnt know this at first. I'm only 18. but now that i know, i want the best mileage i can get. so i'll just fix it.

 

Your welcome.

 

I had the same problem so I just took off the throttle body and eye valve then cleaned them out. It's all carbon build up. Mine was so bad that I drilled out the carbon with a drill and scrapped them really good. Lots of cleaner helps with this also. Just do it right the first time....

 

That was all ready posted, at least twice, just using the proper component name. But thanks for the support, -in fact we've been posting this fix for years lol. That's correct for the 4.6L's.