2000 Camry EGR frustrations

[camryguy89]

I posted this in an alt group with no luck, so I am hoping that someone will chime in and give me some direction on this.

Hello experts, do I have a problem for you! I have a 2000 Toyota Camry
LE 4cyl auto. The car has 230,000kms on the clock and other than that
stupid EGR valve, runs perfectly. I have been having this problem for
about 8 months now and I can't seem to figure it out. Neither can the
dealer.
Last May, I was just getting on the highway when my check engine light
came on. Once I reached my destination, I called the dealership to
schedule an appointment to get it checked out. The car had two codes:
1 EGR insufficient and EVAP. The Evap was easy to fix: New filler neck
and no more problems.

They said the EGR problem was not current and that it was probably a
one time deal. I said ok and went on about my day. After a few days,
the light came back on. I took it back in and sure enough, P0401, EGR
insufficient. They tested the EGR valve and it seemed to be working
properly, but the VSV switch was not. I replaced it with the hope of
never seeing the light again. Well, it came back on, on my way home
from the dealer. I turned around. They wanted to take the new part out
and replace it with the old one. I said forget it and demanded my
money back.

After receiving my money, I went to an independent mechanic and he
kept the car for two days while testing the valve and stumped to see
it pass every time.

Here I am now, with a stubborn EGR valve and a more frustrating engine
light. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[71Corolla]

What was replaced, this:


Or this:



Was the downpipe that comes off of the bottom of the EGR valve cleaned? They get carboned up and block flow. Incorrect routing of vacuum lines, or cracked/leaking lines can also cause this code. As can a bad connector or damaged wires. Also do a search for your code, many many threads.

[camryguy89]

The second picture was the one that was replaced. No, the downpipe was not cleaned as the valve tested ok under vacuum to stall the car. The lines seem good for the age, no cracking or anything like that. Actually they are still very pliable. I did do a search, but it seems like a sea of P0401 out there on those Camry's.

[71Corolla]

Your problem is the first one, replace it. Only use genuine parts here. It is hidden on the firewall side of the engine, difficult to get to. The old one can be left where it is if you relocate the new one, like shown here:

[camryguy89]

Ok, sounds good, but I don't want to sound like an idiot, but what is it? haha. I didn't know a system like this existed before having a problem with it :S

Also, does anyone have an opinion on sea foaming. Like said before, the car is a 2000 Camry LE 4 cyl with 230,000kms. It runs smooth, but I read that it could increase performance and fuel mileage...