[jrpowell3]

So yeah, exactly as the title says. Got a 2001 Nissan Sentra XE with about 136k miles on it. Threw a P0400 code at me about a month ago. I deleted the code to see if it would come back and then drove it around for a bit. I didn't come back and all the monitors completed and were ready. 2-3 weeks later, the code came back, so I deleted it again to see if it was just another fluke drove it around, checked the monitors, all completed. Threw the code at me again this morning. This is my first car with ODB II sensors on it, so I have no idea what to think. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[JudoJohn]

P0400
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction

 

[JudoJohn]

there is an EGR valve on the back side of the engine. Maybe it is clogged. if you ahve to replace it, it's not too hard. Check Rock Auto for prices.

BTW-- on the technical discussion page there is a page with all the codes.

 

[jrpowell3]

So, what is the procedure for cleaning the egr valve?

 

[JudoJohn]

Don't know. I have never had to do it. take it apart and see what u can do.

 

[jrpowell3]

I'm hoping to see something more than just "take it apart and see what you can do"

 

[JudoJohn]

Ok then, buy a new one and replace it. That's what i would do
.
here is a link to it: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1429512,parttype,4968

 

[i68k]

yea, you can try cleaning it. you only have a malfunction so it may just need a cleaning. you could always get a new ones as well

 

[2001se2.0]

Try MAF cleaner

 

[jrpowell3]

What portion of the valve do I clean? The part that has the pipe coming from the exhaust? The part going to the intake? Or the part with the electronics?

Edit: Furthermore, if I were to replace this part, how important would it be to use an O.E.M. part versus getting one from NAPA or AutoZone?

 

[i68k]

should should be cleaning all of the valving with like brake cleaner or something and the elctronic connector with electronics cleaner, but i wont tell you how cause im not sure and i dont want you to break it. this part should be ok aftermarket, never heard many problems people having with these aftermarket brands.

 

[jrpowell3]

Update: So, I ended up just replacing the whole EGR valve. However, just now, 400 miles after I replaced it, it throws the same code at me, P0400. What do I need to look at next?

Edit: Having read the service manual, how likely could it be the EGR temp sensor? And how would I go about cleaning that? And where is it?