Code P0400...EGR Valve

[NightRiderQ45]

Hey. As I was driving home today, my check engine light came on. I checked and the code that came up was P0400 which is the EGR valve. So i guess I have a bad egr valve now. After 194k miles, I'm not too upset. After looking at the fsm and popping open my hood, this valve looks like something that I can replace myself. Has anyone else on here replaced their egr valve on their car? If so, what should I look for?

It looks like there are about three bolts that hold it on and the vacuum line that attaches.

Thanks.

[NightRiderQ45]

After doing some searching on the site, I read that the EGR valve rarely goes bad its self, it's clogged lines that causes the problem. That's great because I didn't want to spend close to $200 for one. So can I take off the egr valve and clean it with brake cleaner?

I don't know how to do that so I might take it to someone who is very familiar with my car.

[NJ 666]

On these cars it is very common for the rubber line from the exhaust pressure feed tube to the BPT to crack. Takes 2 minutes to repair.

[Infinitiguy19]

If your VH41 is anything like the VH45 then it should be simple to get to once you remove the top cover.

And yea you can search for a post by "Goody94Q45" that show you how to clean the EGR system.

Do you mind taking a picture of the engine with the engine cover removed please?

Good luck and Happy New Year.

[maxnix]

The tube from the EGR into the plenum gets clogged every 80K or so.

If the plenum hasn't come off, time to get all the gaskets, clean all the valves, TB plenum and lower runers.
Modified by maxnix at 10:46 AM 1/3/2009

[NightRiderQ45]

I appreciate all of the response! I went and cleared the codes and once it comes back on, I will have someone to take it off and clean it while i'm getting my Valve covers resealed next week. I figured that I didn't need to buy a new one first.

Yes Paul Wall, it is located right near the top of my motor and I can access it easily.

[maxnix]

Little will be accomplished with a clean EGR valve when the EGR tube in the plenum is colgged with coke as yours most assuredly is.

Much is to be gained by going the whole way a pulling the plenum and cleaning everything. I know from the U of hard knocks, believe me.

[NightRiderQ45]

Little will be accomplished with a clean EGR valve when the EGR tube in the plenum is colgged with coke as yours most assuredly is.

Much is to be gained by going the whole way a pulling the plenum and cleaning everything. I know from the U of hard knocks, believe me.

Exactly my friend! That's what I meant when I said that the EGR valve will be cleaned. I was speaking of doing the whole job, especially the line that you stated that goes from the plenum to the valve. I was searching for a diagram/wiring picture in the fsm that shows the tube that goes to the plenum from the egr valve...do you know where the pic is at?

The last time I pulled my plenum, I cleaned the TB because I had the oiled K&N filter.

[maxnix]

I maybe can email you one.

The FSM doesn't show it. there is a gasket on each side of the flange.

The plenum must be removed to access it. Once you do pull it, you will be glad you did when you see inside.

[ZMARKUS]

Hey NightRiderQ45, did you find a fix for your p0400 CEL problem, If so what was it. My technician thinks mine is coming from carbon buildup and a non functioning EGR Valve Vacuum Solenoid. I don't want to hear that because I'm looking at $650 to repair it. Supposedly, the EGR Valve Vacuum Solenoid is very difficult to get to. My Q runs fine though, despite what I've been told is wrong with it.

[NightRiderQ45]

Sorry I didn't update this thread back then. Yes I found the solution and it wasn't the EGR Valve that was bad. There was a hose that connects to it that had a crack in it. The guy replaced that line and I never saw an EGR code again. I now have 228k on my baby! I think it was what NJ 666 said in his earlier post. Sorry but I can't actually remember that hose he replaced.