Toyota Repair: 1996 rav4 cel egr, vacuum hoses, gas mileage

Question
QUESTION: Ted,
I have a cel on my 96 rav4, I got an obd reading and it's  reading was egr valve.  I ask the guy for a code number, but he says it just says egr.  Is there a code number or is it because of the year of the car.   I got the read out from local auto parts store.  Any suggestions.  Thanks in advance.


Gwen G.
Suitland MD

ANSWER: Yes there should be a code number, I can't accept someone's explantion or diagnosis which could be wrong, the code number is the only sure way.  Most of the autoparts stores such as autozone, advance auto etc will do this at no charge so try to locate one of them and then let me know the number and I can help.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The code is PO401, my rav4 does not run ruff, or stall, hesitate or ping.  It does however seem to have no pick and go when you need to accelerate quickly, and for the last couple of years the gas mileage is very poor.

Answer
this can usually be solved by replacing the EGR modulator valve, it's attached to the EGR valve on a spring bracket and no tools are needed to replace it, just pull off the vacuum hoses and replace the valve, this is the most common cause for the P0401 code.