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P0401: Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient
Fix soonSystem: Emissions
What P0401 means
Not enough exhaust gas is being sent back into the engine. A clogged EGR valve or passage is common.
Common symptoms
- Rough or unstable idle
- Failed emissions test
- Hesitation or poor acceleration
Common causes
- Clogged EGR valve or passages
- Faulty EGR valve or its wiring
- Vacuum or intake air leak
Can I keep driving?
Fix soon. Usually drivable for a short time, but get it checked soon. Ignoring it can waste fuel, raise emissions and lead to more damage.
What to do next
- Write down the code and any symptoms you notice.
- Check the simple things first: the fuel cap, loose connectors and fluid levels where they apply.
- Do not just clear the code. If the light comes back, the cause is still there and needs a proper diagnosis.
- Read live data and freeze frame data with an OBD-II scanner app to see what the car was doing when the code was set.
Read P0401 from your own car
DriveHub connects to a $15 to $30 OBD-II adapter, reads the code from your car and explains it in plain English. iPhone and Android.
General information, not a diagnosis. Causes vary by make, model and engine. If you are unsure, have the car inspected.