Help if you could...96 Camry LE V6

[c32used]

This is for 1996 Camry LE V6...I believe this is my first post...don't recall honestly anyways I have the dreaded P0401 code...work already done is"

1. Replaced and tested EGR and it's hoses
2. Replaced and tested EGR VSV and it's hoses

To test that replaced EGR system to check it was working correctly I followed the suggestion of the Camry forum to apply vacuum to EGR....which if OK or clear it would run rough or act as though it was gonna die. Which it did.

As per the EGR VSV while UN-powered using attached hoses to the two used ports not the round filter port..I blew air which was felt either port so it was free flow in either direction. I applied power and the EGR VSV had no air flow from either side thru used ports. OK now my issue is I after replacing original VSV to current one I reset the code and like after well driven next morning shortly after turning car on as I was driving the engine warning light came on it is the P0141 again.

I did clean both the EGR and VSV. I am lost now and can't figure out what may be the problem and now I'm on my last month to pass emissions in order to by plate sticker.

Now a little history of purchase and work done...

I bought car from Sister and it had the P0141 code. I was told by seller that engine was replaced with Japanese engine which had 60+k miles on it the body/trans has currently 230k...about 12 months after replacing engine is when the code showed up. I bought Camry LE V6 and after research applied tests and replacement of parts mentioned above...I heard from a friend like a month ago that he had a friend experience the same or similar issue after replacing engine with Japanese engine and after plenty of time and money spent it was found out one of his sensors were faulty..I since tried to communicate with him with no luck. Any suggestions welcomed...TIA!!

[Nervous]

First of all - search. This was discussed A LOT of times.
DIY: 1MZ, EGR, code P0401 & P0402 diagnostic & repair

As a hint: check modulator and small metal pipe that connects modulator and EGR valve - it might be clogged. Check EG temperature sensor too (use factory service manual from camrystuff.com for details of testing EG temp sensor).

And if I recall correctly, VSV shouldn't allow any air flow in unpowered state, it should hold vacuum (however, as practice shown, some vacuum ls allowed).

[c32used]

Originally Posted by Nervous

First of all - search. This was discussed A LOT of times.
DIY: 1MZ, EGR, code P0401 & P0402 diagnostic & repair

As a hint: check modulator and small metal pipe that connects modulator and EGR valve - it might be clogged. Check EG temperature sensor too (use factory service manual from camrystuff.com for details of testing EG temp sensor).

And if I recall correctly, VSV shouldn't allow any air flow in unpowered state, it should hold vacuum (however, as practice shown, some vacuum ls allowed).

I did do a search my friend and it pulled up a ton of reading..I was forwarded here to see IF any Japanese engine swaps by forum members here where experiencing same or similar issues...and hopefully I can apply same fix to mine. I was told UN-powered the VSV permitted airflow and I tested that theory as well as powered to replaced and faulty VSV..I own Haynes repair Manuel for my Gen Camry..and used many of those tests also but it seems that not all options are covered.

[Nervous]

I hope you noticed a link in my post? As well as a reference to [Link removed (Please see rules... these links need to be sent via PM ONLY.) ] ?

[c32used]

Originally Posted by Nervous

I hope you noticed a link in my post? As well as a reference to [Link removed (Please see rules... these links need to be sent via PM ONLY.) ] ?

I did see it I just didn't have time to research them father activities took priority...anyways I had took your hint advise and checked it upon checking tubing and metal pipe under modular I noticed the sensor plug to EGR wasn't connected so I reconnected and reset code hopefully all is better now if not once time becomes abundant I'll just do a search here is this forum as well as use the links you provided. Thanks

[Nervous]

Originally Posted by c32used

I noticed the sensor plug to EGR wasn't connected so I reconnected and reset code

Well, this was definitely at least ONE of the reasons and hopefully the ONLY reason for the P0401.

[c32used]

Originally Posted by Nervous

Well, this was definitely at least ONE of the reasons and hopefully the ONLY reason for the P0401.

Lets hope my friend and may I say wonderful work on your thread which link you posted above a definite 2 thumbs up..I'm pretty new to forum of this type car I usually frequent MB forums AMG side I love to share info to all especially new comers...look me up I'm screened name the same I also have a "sticky" thread there with the hopes to help out existing and new members....so honestly buddy thanks many members of forums who've been there a while tend to push the "search" option even though they may have a resolution. Thou search is most likely best option..many get stuck with reading of same or similar things one may have done already...thus it becomes an aggravated search that may lead no where..there are solutions for those that may have issues that are up and beyond the norm and pointing a direction becomes main reason why someone like me needs to post a thread that in fact may help someone in similar situation.