i have a 99 ranger 2wd with a 3.0 v6. i got check engine lght code p0401(EGR flow insufficient) changed the egr valve, pressure sensor, vacuum solenoid, and checked the egr tube for clogs(all good there). someone told me to clean out the egr passages but i don't know where they are or how to clean them, they said that i would have to take the intake off to do this, is that true? would the pcv valve have anything to do with it? i love my truck and hate that check engine light!!! please help.

 

The passages are in the intake under the EGR valve. There are 2 holes in there that carbon will build up in and cause the code you have.

 

ok. do i have to take the intake off? and the valve is bolted to the side of the intake, so by under do you mean where it is bolted on to the intake? thanks for the help by the way...

 

Check where the tube goes into the intake. Remove it and see if there is any carbon built up in there. Also check the 2 little tubes that run off the EGR tube. You should be able to clean it without removing the intake.

 

ok cleaned the two passages that are right behind the throttle body( one that gos to the egr valve and the other that gos down to a metal elbow that connects to a rubber hose). cleaned the throttle body its self just bc i had it off. cleaned the IAC valve too.Then reset the check engine light... i'll let you know if it comes on again.

 

Thanks for the follow up. Will wait on reply.

 

the light came back on... i am in the middle of taking the intake off so i can clean it really good but after getting it off i don't think thats the problem. any more ideas?

 

could the pcm have anything to do with it? also there is a part that kinda looks like a vacuum solenoid with a round part to it on the driver side under the hood, it has a rubber hose the go's to the intake(right by the egr valve port but on the bottem) and small vacuum lines that go to it(much like the lines that go to the vacuum solenoid and the top of the egr valve)... What is it and could it be the problem?