1998 V6 Accord EGR Flow Insufficient P0401

Hi,

I have a 1998 Accord V6, and have recently got the "Check Engine
Light". Since I have the OBD II decoder, I got the code out, and found
that it is P0401 - EGR Flow Insufficient". From a little research on
google, found that this might be a known Honda Issue (TSB-99-085) and
Honda has a recall on this. Since my Accord has 110,000 miles on it, I
will not be able to get a free service from the dealer.

Having described the problem above, I would like to get the service
performed myself. I read the TSB from honda, and the procedure seemed
simple. Basically cleaning of the EGR port in the intake manifold is
required. Of course Honda also suggests that the EGR port on the intake
manifold to be drilled with a "special drill" to make the hole bigger
and insert some kind of "tube" that comes with the kit that is
available at Honda dealer. The kit itself is around $80.

My question is, is it worthwhile to get the kit and do all this
drilling business or just replace the entire intake manifold ($160 -
Honda OEM from dealer) ? Will the new Manifold have the bigger EGR port
as Honda knows about this problem in the year 2000 and would have
corrected the EGR ports on the new parts ?

I have these three questions for the group :

1. Is it a good idea to replace the entire intake manifold ($80)?
2. Get the kit from Honda and attempt to repair and "clean" the inake
manifold ($160) ?
3. Get the service done at the dealer ? ($350)


Thanks,
- John

 

John, are you sure you have got those costings for 1. and 2. the
right way round in that list?

 

Hi Graham,

You are tight, i got the two figures in reverse. Nevertheless, i think
getting the intake manifold replaced, is cheaper than paying the dealer
$350 for drilling the holes, and I still end up with a new intake
manifold (not sure a new one will make any difference in performance
though).

Regards,
-- John

 

If I may add to John's question,

I also have a '98 Accord, mine has 60,000. Evidently I don't have this
problem yet. Should I be doing something preventive? Will the dealer fix
this before it becomes a rpoblem?

Al

 

John, have you done anything about the egr problem yet?


--
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

 

If people have a 1998 - 00 Honda Accords and the mileage is less than
80,000 and the car age is less than 8 years, I strongly recommend you
to get this done at the dealer. This is a "free" service within that
range, as this is a recall from Honda !

I decided to clean up the EGR port in the Intake manifold for now ! If
the engine survived 100K miles without a problem with the original
port, cleaning it should be good for atleast the next 50K miles.
However I am also looking into replacing the gasket for the EGR valve.
Both look quite doable.

-- John.

 

Good call; If this is the engine I think it is, its a easy job


--
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

 

Can I get this done for free if I'm not showing the code yet?

Al

 

This is a recall from Honda, the dealer "will" do it for you free if
your car is less than 8 years old or has less than 80,000 miles
(whichever comes earlier). I would recommend this done even though you
don't have this problem, or later it will be an expensive repair.

-- John

 

Alrighty then. So what if this was supposedly done and you are out of
coverage/warranty on all counts. what now? that's my problem assuming
dealer did this 3 years ago. They did do SOMETHING as the pinging went
away...for about 1-2 months. Thanks.

kevin