Error code P0401 ---> EGR Valve Port Cleaning cost for non-dealership mechanic

MontanaProf · Jan 4, 2014

Hi all,

2001 EX with 167,000 miles. HID kit is the only aftermarket mod, but I do love the super-white bright lights.

I have been getting P0401 error codes, checked using my handy-dandy $70 code checker (and resetter) from Harbor Freight Tools.

Looking around our amazing forum, I see that I should do an EGR Valve Port Cleaning.

Looking at youtube.com I see how to do this, but I think it is a bit beyond my skill level.

So, I plan on taking this to a non-dealership mechanic to get this done.

Does anyone have any idea of what this sort of thing should cost? Are there any specific directions I need to give, both to make this look like I know what I'm doing, and because whilst they are in there doing this they might as well also do x, y and z?

Many thanks!

sontakke · Jan 4, 2014

I had asked my independent mechanic and he had quoted some ungodly hours (3-4??) My mechanic is usually very reasonable but for some reason, his estimate was way too high. So I did it myself in about two hours. If you can follow the youtube directions, it is not too bad with some mechanical aptitude. I put off doing this for years but finally had to bite the bullet. It was lot less difficult that I thought it would be. Just take your time and understand each and every step before even opening up the hood. Ask questions here.

There are many topics describing how to do it. You can take the printout or better show the video to your mechanic and ask what he would charge.

davedrivesody · Jan 4, 2014

sontakke said:
I had asked my independent mechanic and he had quoted some ungodly hours (3-4??) My mechanic is usually very reasonable but for some reason, his estimate was way too high. ***snip***

He's indirectly telling you he just doesn't want the work.

OP, why not get a quote from the dealer to start? Can't hurt. Their ace is that they know what's involved to clean the EGR ports.

davedrivesody · Jan 4, 2014

P0401 could also be a stuck EGR valve.

It's easy to remove, although you may need a new gasket. Maybe you could start by cleaning or replacing it.

Naim · Jan 4, 2014

You should not need a new head gasket, but you most likely you will need a new throttle body gaskets and EGR gasket.
My van has 248,000 miles on it and I have done this like 3 times now.
There was a TSB for the for the 2001 for this issue. I would rate this as a 2 hour job.

02ody02 · Jan 4, 2014

You might need to both clean the EGR ports AND replace the EGR valve. I would just tell the mechanic that you are getting P0401 code, which you understand is EGR related, either the valve or the passages and that you want to get an estimate for each of those services separately. If your passages have never been cleaned, it is almost certain that is needed. EGR valve is a maybe. If you have a Honda focused mechanic he can probably quote you over the phone.

Awhile back you posted about Sears telling you that you had broken brake calipers. What was the resolution on that? Are you going back to them for this or have you found somebody else?

MontanaProf · Feb 16, 2014

02ody02,

I am going to clean the EGR ports and while I'm in there replace the EGR valve. I've found a friend who can help me, so I am good to go.

On the brakes with Sears, I went to my local car mechanic, and he found that a bolt was missing and just put one on for me gratis. Lesson learned on where to get the work done!

02ody02 · Feb 17, 2014

Good to hear!

In Dallas, we have become city-fied, but in Montana and less urban areas folks actually know how to do stuff. I figured if you asked around you could find some knowledgeable help.

Error code P0401 ---> EGR Valve Port Cleaning cost for non-dealership mechanic

MontanaProf

sontakke

davedrivesody

davedrivesody

Naim

02ody02

MontanaProf

02ody02

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