1998 Accord 4 cyl Automatic 220,000 miles

SEL came on and the code is P0401 EGR insufficient flow.

The Chilton manual is not that good and doesn't show where exactly the EGR valve is. I looked online and everything shows 6 cyl engines.

The manual says to remove 2 nuts/bolts and replace the EGR valve. Is it that easy?

What about spraying the throttle body with carberator cleaner? I have used B-12 in the past ( spraying a little at a time into the intake while the engine is running).

Any other advice?

 

The insufficient flow code is not from a faulty EGR valve, but a clogged EGR passage. I think you have to remove the throttle body or the upper part of the intake manifold to access the port.

 

So if I remove the top part of the Intake Manifold, then I clean the manifold?

The "port" - is that where the ERG valve holes are? Or are they the openings for the vacuum lines? I just have trouble picturing where it could be clogged and what to clean out. Should I replace any tubes that go this this "port"?

Could it something like a clogged PCV ?

 

This video has some of the information on cleaning the egr passage on your model:

 

THANK YOU!! This is exactly what I was looking for. A little more work than I expected, but better for me to give it a try, than take it in!

 

Looking at the video... It says to clean the passage.

How do I know its not clogged up between the exhaust pipe and the EGR valve?
From this video, it looks like I am only cleaning from the intake manifold to the ERG valve.

 

You can remove the EGR valve to verify the passage is clear from the exhaust manifold to the egr valve. Typically the buildup happens on the cooler portion in the intake.

 

OH, OK... makes sense. Well, might as well check both passages while everything is off.

Thank you again for the input!!

 

You may want to have a replacement EGR gasket when you pull the EGR valve. They are a foil-type gasket that can tear when removing the EGR valve.

 

I am checking and double checking everything.

I obviously need to order an intake gasket ( I am looking at the top part) and all the ones I see show a rubber gasket that goes around the outer edge with 5 holes for the bolts.

I would also expect 4 gaskets for where the air goes into the engine. But I don't see any.