QuestionQUESTION: We bought a 98 Camry used several months ago and it's really been no problem. (153,--- miles) For about a week though, the check engine light comes on, but then it goes off sometimes for a day or so. But, it comes back on. I haven't noticed any other problems except just today after a warm start up it started idling a little rough, but not too much. I wouldn't have noticed it if the ck. engine light wasn't coming on intermittently, it was that slight. Should we take it in now or wait until it starts having other problems? Thanks for your advice.
ANSWER: The first thing to do is to have the trouble code retreived from the computer, most major autoparts stores will do this at no charge, once the codes are known you can can contact me back and I can help with the diagnosis.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the response, Ted. We had the car read today and it received the following codes about the check engine light. "Vehicle scanned...Global OBDII...DTC (Codes) PO401 EGR Flow Insufficient...DTC Pending (Codes) PO401 EGR Flow Insufficient."
What does this mean and how much are we looking at spending for repairs? Thanks again for the advice.
Stuart
ANSWER: In about 90% of the cases that have the 401 code the egr modulator valve is the problem, it's located directly on the EGR valve and has some vacuum hoses attached, the top of the plastic housing can be pried off, there is some fiberglass packing in the top, pull it out and see if there is a burned spot on this material, if so replace this modulator only, it costs about $75 at the toyota dealer, the check light can be cleared by disconnecting the negative battery terminal or removing the EFI fuse for ten seconds.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much, Ted, you don't know how much I appreciate your help. One more thing, is this something I can easily do myself or is it easiest to get it done at a repair shop? I'm willing to try on my own, but don't have a lot of experience in car repair and don't want to mess anything up. If you don't mind guiding me a little, where is the EGR valve located under the hood? What tools will I need for this job? I appreciate any other info. that will help me. Thanks again.
AnswerYou'll want to replace the EGR Modulator valve, NOT the EGR valve there is a big difference, the modulator valve is attached to the egr valve, the egr valve is made of metal and is about three inches in diameter and has a small vacuum hose attached, the modulator is made of plastic and is about two inches bi and has three vacuum hoses on the top and a larger one on the underside, it is easy to replace just by removing the vacuum hoses and pulling it off the egr valve, I can't send a picture here but if you can give me an email address I can do so, I will also need to know if it's a 4 cylinder or V-6.
