P0400 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Definition of P0400 EGR

The basic definition of P0400 EGR code corresponds to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction. (EGR valve)

What the P0400 code means
P0400 belongs to OBD-II generic code. It points that the engine control module (ECM) has detected some problem with the exhaust gas. Mostly it means that the engine EGR valve is not flowing recirculated exhaust gases properly. The ECM monitors the command to open the flow of gases into the intake manifold. If there is any abnormality in the system the car sets the DTC and the vehicle goes into Limp mode. Limp mode means that the Check engine light is now on and the vehicle requires immediate attention. The code is specifically monitored by the EPA, MOT, maintenance and inspection companies and sometimes the vehicles are written off if the intake has oil in it. The Check Engine Light on will cause the vehicle to fail emission testing from excessive NOx gases.

Significance and requirement of EGR
Any diesel or petrol vehicle having EGR will perform very well in cold climates. This is due to the fact that fuels burn properly and completely in certain temperature ranges. Specially in climates having less than -5 Degree Celsius. This caused complete burning of any excess or unburnt fuel. Now that the engines are becoming more and more efficient, bad EGR,s can cause permanent damage to the engine or a bad engine can cause permanent damage to the EGR assembly.

In Pakistan hot climate and poor fuel having excess MMT is known to cause permanent damage to the engine assembly as it is pumping hot air continuously to the intake system. This damages the intake valves and causes damage to the valve stems. Valve stem damage is known to create oil consumption. Toyota Prius has inherent problem of high oil consumption and we have found out that the problem is with the EGR assembly that is continuously pumping hot air in the system.

Chip Tuning / Reflash or deleting EGR units

Our team specializes in reflashing or chip tuning the ECM of Toyota to pump less air into the system. This helps in achieving colder head temperature in effect life of coils and spark plugs gets better. After firmware upgrade we have seen that the pickup of the vehicle is increased.

Common causes of P0400

• EGR not holding vacuum or a vacuum leak
• Onboard temperature sensor in the EGR assembly is not registering temperature change
• Blockage in the EGR passages
• Difference between the cylinder pressure
• Oil consumption due to worn out engine

What are the symptoms of the P0400 code?
Usually the Check Engine Light will be illuminated and the code is set in ECM memory. Some engines show excessive engine ignition ping or knock on acceleration.

Diagnostics of P0400

• Scanning of the ECM and review the parameters of ignition
• Clearing the engine codes and road test
• Visual inspection of the vacuum hoses, the wiring and the connections of the EGR valve
• Function of control solenoid
• Excessive carbon buildup in the EGR assembly may point to a worn out engine

EGR vs EGT
Some people confuse EGT with EGR, however EGT means exhaust gas temperature and applies to vehicles having diesel fuel or turbo.

How serious is the P0400 code?
A failed EGR valve can cause the engine to have excessive ignition and that can cause internal engine damage to the piston and valves.

Need help with a P0400 code?

Solution for a bad EGR
If you need help with the P0400 and have tried multiple exhaust gas recirculation assemblies to no avail, feel free to visit us or have the tuned ECM shipped to your destination in Pakistan. Fixmycar.pk has complete solution for a car showing the Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0400, P0401, P0402 or P0403.

Call at 0331-2227989 to make your appointment for service of any vehicle, we offer on-site service of any vehicle by our highly equipped and trained staff at customers premises.

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