EGR Code after Timing Belt Change 5SFE

[wagoss]

99 Camry 2.2L 5SFE w/Auto

I just had the engine out to change the timing belt, seals, gaskets, etc... and when I put everything back together there was a slightly rough idle which was more pronounced with the car in gear. It ran perfect other than that. It seemed like it was idling a little lower than normal, but I'm not 100% sure since it's my wife's car and I don't drive it that often.

I'm 99% sure the timing belt is in the correct position, since I rotated it several times to make sure it was in the proper position at TDC (made sure I was on the #1 compression stroke, with the mark on the camshaft lining up properlty with the crank at TDC).

I also noticed that there is a vacuum line running from the throttle body to what appears to be an electronic switch/valve just next to the intake tube. If I knew how to post a picture on here, I would show you what I'm talking about since I don't know what it is. I noticed that if I removed this line from the switch/valve the idle would increase enough to smooth out the idle. Is this normal?

Then, the check engine light came on. It gave a code P0401, which is for the EGR system. I didn't have a vacuum gauge handy to test the EGR Valve, but checked the EGR Modulator (Solenoid) Valve by covering the two outlets and blowing air into the other per the Chilton's manual. It was definitely bad, no air would pass at all. I thought this may be the problem anyway since it did get pushed against the firewall when we were removing the engine.

I replaced the Modulator (Solenoid) Valve and took the car to AutoZone to reset the code. It ran MUCH smoother. No more vibration at idle in neutral or park, but a very, very slight vibration at idle in gear. I problem wouldn't have even noticed this if I wasn't looking expecting something. I drove it a few miles and thought everything was fine.

I then had my wife test drive it again and the light came back on!

Any ideas? I need to get a vacuum gauge and pump anyway, so I'll test the actual EGR valve when I get a chance, but it seems to be running fine.

Since this is just emmision stuff, it should be okay to drive it until I get to spend more time testing this weekend, right?

Thanks,
Wayne