The wife's 98 Taurus has been spitting out the 0401 code (egr problem). I reset the computer via the negative ground on the battery which I've read here many times after I changed the EGR valve and had the tube to the valve soaked at a machine shop to remove the carbon deposits.

It threw the the CES light again, so back to Autozone I go to get the code read. Same code. The guy at Autozone said that the only way to reset a code is with a tool that does that. He said the same tool that he used to read it, would reset it.

Is there any other way to reset the PCM and clear the code? The light would stay off for a short period of time and then come back on. It has done that twice. Once after changing the valve, and once after having the tube cleaned.

I'm stumped. Your suggestions are appreciated.

Hunt4Fun

 

You can disconnect the battery for 20-30 minutes, and that will clear it as well, but if the light continues to come on, your EGR either wasnt the problem, or should be replaced.

 

Disconnect the negative cable on the battery and turn your headlights on to drain any power left in the truck, leave it unhooked for 10 minutes, and then reconnect it all. This will reset your code, but it will always just come back until the issue is resolved.

 

As they have said the disconnecting the battery will clear the code.

I have heard there is a flash for the PCM on the Tauras for the pinging and constant EGR codes. Might wanna check that out.

tom

 

hunt4Fun, since you said in your first entry that you already reset the computer by disconnecting the battery. i hate to be the bearer of bad news. but either the EGR valve you replaced was defective or it was not the problem.

so have fun hunting 4 the problem.

 

At least this kind of a problem isn't a show stopper. The wife is still driving it with the light on.

Are you guys confident then that having disconnected the negative ground and turning the headlights on, does a reset?

The SES light does go out when I do that.

And if I'm getting it reset correctly, have changed the EGR valve, what else causes this low EGR flow code to appear?

Is there something else I can check?

Tom, should I contact the dealer for the flash on the PCM?

Thanks again for all the help.

 

I would suggest you join the following forum and ask the Ford techs there about the possible flash needed to the PCM on your Taurus.

http://flatratetech.com

create a member name login and go to the ford support forum you will get knowledgeable help.

That and this site are the best there is for keeping a Ford running.

tom

 

Tom,

Much appreciated. I will do that.

Hunt4Fun