PO401 code repair on a 1998 Toyota Camry

[@elgatogordo9523]

Greetings Mr. R 👋🏼 I had the dreaded P0401 code and wouldn’t go away. I replaced VSV valve, modular valve, cleaned the EGR, and gas cap with no luck! My Dad suggested to remove the Throttle Body and inspect all the tiny orifices drilled near the throttle valve. Found some carbon build up inside these orifices and cleaned them thoroughly with brake cleaner and compressed air. Once cleaned and put together, I drove the vehicle over 100 miles without any issue 😁 Thanks for the video!

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome! Good luck with your car. Hope my video helped you somehow 😁

[@MrCadmus9]

I replaced the vacuum modulator on my 97 2.2L & could hear the EGR clicking with vacuumed applied & released, so, I sprayed throttle body cleaner down the 3 vacuum hose hook up nipples (engine off & very cold) that are basically above the throttle body butterfly plate, using the rigid tube spray can head extender that comes with the cleaner and that got rid of my problem with P041 code. You’d think that as suction openings that they would not get clogged but so much for my thoughts on that! I just had no desire to try getting at that computer controlled vacuum breaking valve that is buried under the engine so I did a desperate thing & it worked out very well with months since then. Thanks

[@MrCadmus9]

By the way, on my 4 cyl 97 the hose that connects to the bottom of the vacuum modulator valve is connected to the pipe that feeds exhaust gas up to the bottom of the EGR Valve. It is a pressurized exhaust gas source and not a vacuum source……so if the vacuum modulators internal diaphragm dies and ruptures, does this mean that dirty exhaust gas can get sucked thru it & can get sucked back by throttle body suction to those vacuum nipple supplies on top of the throttle body and block them up or limit adequate vacuum supply? Make up any explanation that seems to fit? So far, no EGR codes since spraying those nipples with throttle body cleaner thru a plastic extension nozzle tube, after replacing the old vacuum modulator. Good luck to you.

[@davea5150]

Fyi this can also be your catalytic converter is giving you this code. Cataclean in the gas tank is very good to use. I'm at this point now. My problem is trying to get in dash twist and turn sockets for number 74 bulbs. Two are missing from my Camry. And I don't want wild bright LED replacements. Any ideas would be great. Local dealer doesn't have them. Discontinued. What a joke. There's a lot of 4th generation Camrys still on the road.

[@rprojects4553]

Ok good for you, thank you for information.

[@jidmoonh]

This is a very helpful video for a common problem with this Camry model series. Good job tracking down the culprit! Thanks for sharing your trouble-shooting experience.

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome Anthony and thanks for the compliment. Glad that this video has helped you and others. By the views, I would’ve never thought that this was such a common problem so I’m really glad I could help others.

[@2468RAI]

Thank you, for your efforts, it’s people like you makes this world a beautiful place. God keep blessing your endeavors 🙏

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you, glad I can help.

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you

[@jo-elgumpfer5868]

Thank you your wounderfull to explain things 65 year old woman and I'm trying to fix my own car

[@rprojects4553]

Welcome

[@rprojects4553]

Welcome

[@kenyip3150]

I went through the same problem, they caused smog test failed in CA. I had only two weeks left to return for retest after initial Fail for high NOx. I replaced the EGR valve and the solenoid module although both were working fine. I also replaced the transducer and cleaned the EGR temperature sensor. It failed again when retest. I watched more KZbin videos and then the guy said you must cleaned all EGR passages, they were likely clogged up with carbon. Yes, they were 80% clogged up. Specially, the small vaccum hoses and the metal pipe connected to the EGR valve. Most cars built before 2000, EGR valve operated by vaccum suction design.

[@rprojects4553]

Yah I had cleaned my EGR out also and it didn’t work so I ended up replacing the VSV. Took a while to figure it out but finally got it. Hope your diy fixed your problem. Thanks for the comment!

[@Saint_TrillTX]

@@rprojects4553how do you clean them?

[@rprojects4553]

You could get EGR cleaner at auto store or get W40 and spray holes .

[@Saint_TrillTX]

@@rprojects4553 ok thank you brother

[@rprojects4553]

Welcome

[@87waidy]

Thankyou Mr R ,, Im having the same issues with my 97,, I will follow suit and see how it works out for me,, your video is very detailed , Thankyou Ser.

[@rprojects4553]

Hey Edwin! You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching my video. I hope it helped you out. Let me know how the fix turned out for you. Have a great day!

[@turtleman6281]

you saved me I ordered my EGR Solenoid today thanks bro 😁👍

[@rprojects4553]

Great to hear! Hope it helped you!

[@WalkingNightmare100]

When it comes to PO401 code. It's good idea to check the EGR Mod, EGR Valve and probably the Throttle Body too it can build up carbons and also the hoses are connected to it from EGR assembly. However the real culprit is definitely the Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV Solenoid).

[@rprojects4553]

I did , I caked all that and also got new gas cap, no change my last thing to check was cvc and it took care of it for me, thanks for info.

[@WalkingNightmare100]

@rprojects4553 No problem. Take care of your vehicle.

[@jakekelley5502]

For me it was the EGR solenoid to the left of the EGR. Quick easy cheap. 4 hoses no tools needed. $45 at auto parts store, way cheaper on rock auto. Unfortunately I already replaced the egr and vsv.

[@rprojects4553]

Well I’m glad you were able to figure that out yourself. I enjoy fixing my own cars and figuring out the problems. Saves us some money! Always a good thing. Thanks for the comment Jake Kelley!

[@carlosgarcia-po1zr]

I am grateful for your help. Great job. Thanks

[@rprojects4553]

Happy to help thank you

[@abodao]

Yes, great, helpful and detailed diagnostic, Thank you

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you for the comment! Have a good one!

[@timk484]

You did a really good job saved me a lot of cash went straight to your coprite 🙂

[@rprojects4553]

Thanks! I’m glad I was able to help

[@Bcarn1998]

Very helpful. You’re right It fixed it. Thank you!

[@rprojects4553]

You welcome, that was my culprit, had I known I would of started there. Some one else it might be a different culprit, but for me I still gained cause I replaced all other parts new, but when I got there it took care of my problem, glad it helped you.

[@waldeezy4705]

Your a life saver, thank you

[@rprojects4553]

Welcome

[@donaldstanfield3486]

Thanks 😊 my 1998 camry had the same issue very informative 👍

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome Donald! So glad it helped you. Have a great day!

[@rusty29971]

Thank you... very informative....Good job, this sounds like I'm going there soon !!!

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you for the comment! Hope it helped you!

[@rusty29971]

Nailed it !!! VSV valve what a pain in the ass, but got it done !!! No more egr code, and passed smog !!! Thanks again !!!

[@joaquinaguirre2976]

Thank you Mr: R. I am having the same problem with my toyota camry 2001 and I will follow the same process! Good video.

[@rprojects4553]

Okay sounds good! Hopefully that’ll take care of the problem. Let me know how it works out!

[@jared101502]

Nice Video, You're lucky with only 1 code, My 01 with 250K miles have like 7 or 8 codes on already; Glad I live in FL, we don't care about issues like that here. Lol

[@rprojects4553]

Oh wow!😂

[@marielyscastillo5840]

I have this issue right now two years ago i saw this video and recently changed the vsv behind the engine and that made the code go away. This time i replaced all 3 parts and cleaned the tube that is connected to the egr valve and the vacuum lines. Idk if the issue is more in deph. Or what

[@rprojects4553]

Hi thanks for the comment. It shouldn’t be more of a problem than that. Just make sure you check all the hoses that connect to the vsv and egr, that they are not loose but connected on there tightly. Hope that helps! Have a good one!

[@billhohmann1282]

I had same issue and couldn't get old VSV off, so I just left it and mounted new one to firewall. It doesn't seem to matter where it's mounted.

[@rprojects4553]

As long as it did the job, right?!👍🏼

[@isaacn751]

so the 2 hoses that connect to the VSV are the one coming from the back of the modulator and the other one comes from the top of the egr valve right .

[@rprojects4553]

Samuel, yes that’s right.

[@Eduardo_Construye]

What is the name of the valve on the side where you removed the hose?

[@loden888]

The gas cap is for EVAP issues - those related to the fuel lines. The EGR is for exhaust gases, totally separate systems.

[@rprojects4553]

Thanks for info.

[@terrytyma370]

Thank you for the advice. Get a sore back from the effort but it is done.

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome! Glad you were able t fix it.👍🏼

[@robertvasquez240]

I had a check engine light coming on a 1986.5 Toyota Supra: It coded that an exhaust sensor was faulty, but when I got a new on put on, the check engine light still came on with the same code. Someone suggested I clean the mass air fuel sensor with some Chemtool spray--sure enough, that did the trick and I could then smog it. So the part I replaced might not have been the exact cause for the code.

[@rprojects4553]

Good for you buddy,sometimes it could be something else , but usually , the main culprit is part I changed after replacing all other parts, good job.

[@Maplecook]

Do you have a video on how to access the VSV? Edit: you showed that just after I sent this message.

[@rprojects4553]

Okay. Glad it helped you!

[@Maplecook]

@@rprojects4553 I'm very grateful! Cheers! =)

[@juansuarez6167]

My 1997 Toyota Camry has the code p0401 I disassembled the egr valve, cleaned it with throttle body cleaner, deleted the code and did not turn on the check light again until 3 or 4 days after the code reappeared, I think that too I'll have to change the vacuum solenoid.

[@rprojects4553]

Juan Suarez hope it turns out good for you. I also went through all those diagnosis but the valve was my last resort and thank God it worked! Let me know how it turns out for you but in any case, hope my video helped you somewhat. Have a great day!

[@juansuarez6167]

@@rprojects4553 thank you very much I changed the modulator and the VSV but the code reappeared, just last Saturday I realized that the P and R vacuum ports that are connected to the EGR modulator were totally covered, I proceeded to disassemble the throttle body and uncover those two ports, I hope that is the definitive solution to that problem, since Saturday until now the check light has not appeared again.

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

I totally appreciate this video b/c the Haynes manual doesn't show the location of the VSV, however, I'm a little confused as to its location. You said the bad VSV was under the EGR in front of the rear motor mount mounted to the engine, but when you show the location with the wheel off, it looks like you're showing it in the front of the engine. Please just confirm the location if you'd be so kind. Thanks

[@rprojects4553]

The VSV is located in the rear of the engine, in front of the rear motor mount. It’s a little to the right of the motor mount. Thanks for the comment and hope that helped!

[@rprojects4553]

Also your hoses that go to your EGR connects to it so that might be an easier way of finding it

[@siknessgaming7305]

My 1999 Camry jerks while accelerating and will stall at idle. I also have to pump the gas pedal to get it to start and keep it running. I replaced the EGR valve and only had the P0401 code that I cleared after replacing it but can't drive it 10 miles.

[@rprojects4553]

Ok , sometimes when cars do that , might be that there is not enough fuel going in , could be your gas filter is plugged up or your fuel pump is not working properly and going out, Check your fuel rail on top of engine , on it it has a valve like a tire does like if you are going to put air on it, put glasses on then push it to see if there is pressure if none your fuel pump is going out or plugged up fuel filter 3 rd if your car drives fine and suddenly shut off could be your crank shaft sensor. Hope it helps.

[@siknessgaming7305]

@@rprojects4553 Thanks for the reply. I was able to drive it some today and it continued to act up. And I was able to get the check engine light to come back on with the same code. Would the VSV cause this problem?

[@societyreborn33]

Sparkplugs and coils might need replacement, could have a misfire

[@siknessgaming7305]

@@societyreborn33 Ended up being the crankshaft position sensor.

[@rprojects4553]

If it is stalling on you while driving, check your fuel pressure to see if there is any gas’s coming out , if it’s good and have gas pressure, then try replacing. Crank shaft sensor, when they go bad they do that , won’t start or turns off on you.

[@saulhernandez-lb7sn]

I clean the egr valve cause it was good,replaced the egr modulator and vsv too and I’m still getting the engine ligh on saying it’s P0401,please help!

[@rprojects4553]

Did you replace the one behind the engine vsv and did you plug them in correctly. Also check your gas cap. Let me know.

[@andrew4636]

Thankyou mate great video

[@rprojects4553]

You welcome

[@bmifitness9331]

What’s the name of the last part when you remove the tire?

[@rprojects4553]

Hi. Can you be more clear, pls

[@plusblood5101]

Good work bro

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you

[@luismanuel2962]

i already replace the modulator, the vsv, the canister and the egr and still appear the code, what you can suggest ? please help me between mechanics and parts i already spend a lot money when i replace the canister it went off for like 3 weeks and than appears again

[@rprojects4553]

Sorry to hear that. Double check that everything is connected right, hoses that go from egr to vsv, gas cap also make sure that it’s clean when you put it on pls double check

[@luismanuel2962]

some of the hoses are damage at the ends, i will replace them and check all the hoses and i will see, thank you for taking time and answered thank soo much

[@rprojects4553]

Double check your connections really good , that hoses are connected good, even check your gas cap.

[@camerynjustice]

Great video!!!

[@rprojects4553]

Thanks Cameryn for the comment! Appreciate it😁

[@EGMATV1]

This is a very helpful video... Thanks a lot!!!

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome! Glad the video helped!

[@sandradelgado187]

Thanks that is good information .

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome

[@damienbell3155]

Great job. I forgot about those lol.

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you

[@rprojects4553]

Thank you

[@reynaldolopez9221]

Couldn't it be a Toyota part trap? Why not stsrt with the elctric selenoid located in the motor maunt area? Most likly the one connect to the computer where the truble is originated.

[@rprojects4553]

To be honest with you, I m a backyard mechanic , most of the stuff I do first I use the OBD once I find code I look it up on here you tube, and I start with that I usualy nail it after so many attempts. And I pass it on, so some one else don’t halfto go crazy trying to figure it out, if it helps I’m happy, I don’t remember if I did or not, but thanks for tip. Happy holidays.

[@tonycervantes4816]

Okay sir so What changed so that the check engine light stopped coming on?

[@rprojects4553]

Sorry I thought I responded to you, what changed was me changing the VCV valve , check engine turned off after I re set code

[@davemac8494]

Could it be by chance your Upstream sensor 1

[@davemac8494]

My bad you're right

[@rprojects4553]

Yah this is what fixed the problem for my Camry. Hope the video helped you!

[@DavidDiaz-hh4gi]

THANK You SO MUCH!

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome! Hope it helped you!

[@ahmedpires5427]

On my car cheak engine light its not (on) even the EGR not installed But señor its take more fuel if thts EGR not installed Or somthing will happen Mucho gracias 😘

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome

[@ahmedpires5427]

@@rprojects4553 no inteligencia with U about what i said to U

[@rprojects4553]

Can you be more clear? I don’t understand what you’re trying to say?

[@ahmedpires5427]

@@rprojects4553 on my car there's no EJR vacum also the engine light its off There is problem will be if no ejr ?

[@rprojects4553]

Yah, I would think that would be a problem whether or not you have a check engine light on or not. Best bet would be to look in a car junkyard and see if there’s a car like yours and if it has an EGR or not.

[@samuelslaughter7823]

thump up well done, thank you for sharing

[@rprojects4553]

Hey Samuel, appreciate you checking out my video. Hope it helped!

[@societyreborn33]

Mine was the evap canister that caused that code

[@rprojects4553]

Oh okay. Well hope you were able to fix the problem. Have a great day!

[@therandomblogger6694]

That code can be many things. I also bought the modulator and it didn't do anything. Engine light came back on. So I went and changed the vacuum switching valve, then turned on the car and check engine had disappeared. Plugged the code reader and no codes. came back clean. So far I've driven it more than 200 miles and no engine light. so I'm pretty happy about that. I also bought other sensors that i haven't changed yet. I have yet to replace the EGR Valve (which i know i can clean and put back, but rather change to new) and the throttle position sensor. my car has over 180k miles so it wouldn't hurt to change them. I also am going to buy another sensor/valve to have all of the emission valves new at that point.

[@rprojects4553]

Glad it worked for you. That’s what I had to change, the VSV and same thing, no more check engine light or codes! Well hope this video helped somewhat. Have a great day!

[@trawwilson400]

my car won’t even start up but i got a brand new Alternator and stater and battery and i also replaced my fuel pump but that same code popped up i don’t have money to go to a shop plz help 😩

[@kingdomcome7450]

@@trawwilson400 Did you try and replace that vacuum control valve? It says on his description that that is what worked for him

[@trawwilson400]

@@kingdomcome7450 no i’m waiting for it to come in i just ordered it

[@rprojects4553]

@@trawwilson400 Sorry for the confusion. It’s the vacuum switch valve. It should take care of the problem. Let me know how it works out for you!

[@arturogvasquez2376]

Good job bro thank.

[@rprojects4553]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped you

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

good job

[@rprojects4553]

Thanks! Hope it helped you!

[@hangrycoon4252]

I need to change that sucker this weekend 😩

[@rprojects4553]

Good luck , hope you get to it

[@waynejohnson3388]

Nice video! A co worker gave me a 98 camry. 250,000 miles. Runs awesome. Had a power steering leak, and the key ignition was bad so ya couldn't start it. I installed a new one. Cleaned the car up. Tires are good, brakes are good. It has a check engine light. Where did you get ur code reader and that part at the end of the video that's hard to get to?

[@shajivarghese2102]

The last part he changed is a vacuum switching valve. If you take your car to Auto Zone they will read the codes for you for free. You can also buy a code reader (scanner) from Auto Zone as well. Prices vary from $75 - 150 depending on models/brands/features.

[@rprojects4553]

Hi Wayne! I borrowed the code reader from my son and I believe he got it from Amazon and the same goes for the part. I try to go the cheap route as much as possible but if all else fails I have to get one from an auto supply place like Autozone or O’reillys. Hope that helped!

[@thejourney8013]

Ty for the information

[@rprojects4553]

Welcome

[@topacioo]

Hey thank you for this video I m just bought a 2001 Toyota Camry and I have a problem with the check engine light on and when the car is cool and I start up the car starts with the rpm way to high, what do you think it could be? I’m not a mecanic but I like to work on my cars, I’m appreciate your coments

[@rprojects4553]

It could be your throttle control sensor. Or check the cable that goes from your pedal to the throttle it might need some DWD lube on it , or there is a adjustment screw in that area that you can adjust.

[@gregorydejesus6503]

Thanks ❤

[@JuanMorales-ks4ll]

but you temp coolant is half way

[@rprojects4553]

Sorry, I couldn’t understand what you were trying to say😬

[@JuanMorales-ks4ll]

@@rprojects4553 about the collant temperature gauge

[@rprojects4553]

@@JuanMorales-ks4ll okay thank you

[@charlesross1682]

If the car is running good ignore the code if not then pursue.

[@rprojects4553]

Yea if it s time to smog car you half to address code cause it won’t pass smog with The code or check engine showing.

[@MARIACHIG]

13:42

[@rprojects4553]

?

[@halstaples2469]

This is not uncommon problem. And my route was change a ceramic resistor for a place in the instrument cluster.

[@rprojects4553]

Glad you were able to troubleshoot yours. Yes this is unfortunately a common problem with these cars. That’s why I put up this video. I think it’s so important to share this knowledge with every DIYer. Have a great one!

[@bigblind4085]

Did you through Parts at it until you figured it out that's not diagnosing

[@rprojects4553]

Yup some f bombs too!

[@X11CHASE]

Just finished watching the video… this guy just told us the VCV will be the culprit. 😂 any of those things could’ve been the culprit, but instead of diagnosing it you threw parts at it until something worked. One of which wasn’t even a part of the EGR system (gas cap)

[@rprojects4553]

You are right, I had to change every part that pertains to that code, ended up wasting money on them, when I discovered VCV I went and re placed it, it solved my problem, I put it on here to hopefully help some one, With same code, that they don’t halfto waste money and do what I did. It helped me , and hopefully help some one else.

[@loden888]

I'm throwing parts at my EGR problem too. Replacing vacuum hoses as well, but my car is 24 years old and not many things last 24 years in a hot operating environment without going bad.

[@Tiy11]

Does anyone know what causes your car to keep cutting off?

[@Tiy11]

I’m thinking egr valve or the vacuum

[@Tiy11]

Let me know in the comments

[@williemcqueen4468]

I have a 2000 Toyota camry p0401

[@juancarloszanchez4602]

Toyota buenos carros

[@rprojects4553]

Muy cierto si.

[@rprojects4553]

Yes they are, si muy buenos.

[@SwipeTheStones]

Its the damn solenoid

[@rprojects4553]

Good for you glad you fixed it, what I put up here is what worked for me different for other people but that was my last resort. After changing other parts .

[@SwipeTheStones]

@rprojects4553 i know. I made that comment before I finished and it dead was a guess. A eureka moment for me. You took my comment as offensive. It is not. You I fact were very helpful

[@rprojects4553]

No I didn’t take your comment offensive so you know, I took it as a learning comment, thank you.

[@Giminey]

I had a dead short in the VSV. Replaced it with a new factory Toyota part. Cars is as smooth as a babys ass now. Dont buy aftermarket.

[@rprojects4553]

Good to know that. Thanks

[@dannymartinez8314]

I question this guy, calling bolts, screws.

[@rprojects4553]

Yah it happens😅

[@АлександрБулуков-ф4ч]

Говори по русски, ничего не понятно!

[@rprojects4553]

Sorry but I don’t speak Russian

[@АлександрБулуков-ф4ч]

@@rprojects4553 Да я шучу, всё в порядке. Не понятно что говорите, но понятно, что делаете. У меня у сына камри из Америки, занимаемся еë востановлением. Всего вам доброго, спасибо за видео!)

[@rickysanchez5264]

It's easier to remove the instrument cluster and pull out the check engine mini bulb

[@rprojects4553]

Ok thank you

[@eshervazquez6521]

Desespera hablando tan lento y con el amm

[@rprojects4553]

Is that good or bad?