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P0401

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) — Not Enough Flow

Medium — fix within daysDrive with caution

Severity: Fix within days. Drive with caution and watch for new symptoms.

What P0401 means

The computer commanded the EGR valve to send exhaust gas back into the engine to lower combustion temperatures, but the flow it measured was too low.

Common causes

How to fix it

Clean the EGR valve and passages of carbon buildup, test the valve, and replace it if it does not open.

Can I drive with P0401?

You may hear knocking under load and the engine may run hot. Drivable with care, but fix it soon.

Related codes

Questions, answered

Is it safe to drive with code P0401?

You can drive short distances carefully; watch for worsening symptoms. You may hear knocking under load and the engine may run hot. Drivable with care, but fix it soon.

What causes code P0401?

The most common causes are: Clogged EGR passages; Stuck-closed EGR valve; Failed EGR position sensor; Vacuum leak in the EGR control line; Carbon buildup in the intake. A scan tool and a visual check of the parts above is where a technician starts.

How do I fix code P0401?

Clean the EGR valve and passages of carbon buildup, test the valve, and replace it if it does not open.

Not repair advice. This page gives general information about code P0401 only. Cars differ by make, model and year — confirm the fault with a scan tool and have the repair done by a qualified technician.

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