Engine Light P0401 EGR performance

[jiwooncc]

So this is the second time engine light showed up. First time was about 6 months ago it went away after couple days and it was the same problem same code when I used the code scanner from Autozone.

Its been months now and randomly got another engine light so I checked again and got the P0401 EGR Performance code.


My vehicle is a 2018 sport JL. 85,000 miles and running perfect. What would be the first thing to check with this? removing the engine bay cover and unplug the EGR connector pin and put it back in? use dust remover to clean some dust? battery terminal checks? disconnect and reconnect batteries?

Definitely not trying to drop $$$$$$ on this knowing it could be so many other factors. Replacing the valve is my last option.

BUT I gotta say this is the second time engine light popped on dash within 6 month interval regarding the same code.

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[mwilk012]

Remove the EGR valve and clean it.

 

[jiwooncc]

This may sound very mediocre to you. I found the EGR connector pin (electrical looking line) on the right side of the engine bay. Unplugged and replugged. Where exactly is the valve? never worked any internal related issues.

 

[hexeis]

Remove the EGR valve and clean it.

Is there a how-to for this? Where is it? How does one do this?

 

[hexeis]

OP did you ever get this fixed? What happened? I just got a P0401 error code.

 

[jiwooncc]

jeep is currently at a dealership for cleaning because of carbon build up. Dealer said they will test drive and wait until new cycle kicks in and see if same code pops up. Cross my fingers hoping its just dirty and not having to replace to whole thing.

Heard some people still get the code even after replacing the whole thing which is absurd. well see what happens

 

[makakencia]

Hey guys! I got rid of P0401 by cleaning both EGR Valve and EGR cooler, I filmed a step by step guide how to do that:

Part 1. EGR Valve Cleaning:


Part 2. EGR Cooler Cleaning


Hope that helps! Like subscribe lol

 

[alphawolff]

I've seen the EGR cooler itself get clogged on JL/JT 3.6Ls before. Might not be a valve issue

 

[jiwooncc]

EGR valve is easy to clean and replace however, EGR cooler is a rectangular shaped silver part that is on the side mounted. That thing can get super clogged. I had to order mine from mopar parts online and replace it. I've replaced it and code is completely gone. I had to spend a fortune fixing it but this is first time replacing in 96k miles in my Jeep. I was going to do it myself but I didnt trust my self so I used a local Jeep to fix it for me.

 

[Will]

My first ever check engine light came on at 89K miles for my 2018 JL, and it was for the P0401 code.
(Bear in mind that I did not get a check engine light when I heard the lifters going out and had them replaced under warranty at 59K miles).
For the P0401 code, I used the tazer to reset the light and drove it for a week without it reappearing. I pulled the EGR cooler and cleaned it. @makakencia ‘s video was helpful here. Thanks!

I did end up pulling off the stem that goes into the intake. If Alex did that, it wasn’t seen in the video, but I feel it’s necessary to get the valve cleaned adequately. Will run it this way to see if the code stays clear. If the code comes back, I will pull the EGR cooler next.

The valve was filthy with carbon build up and a little oil. I can imagine that the cooler would be worse. Anyways, here’s some pics.

 

[Will]

Update: my P0401 went away for a couple months after cleaning the EGR valve but it has returned. Cleared it with a Tazer and it returned after 2 days. After seeing the failed attempts to clean the cooler, I’m going to bite the bullet and replace it and clean the tube between the cooler and valve.

 

[hexeis]

EGR valve is easy to clean and replace however, EGR cooler is a rectangular shaped silver part that is on the side mounted. That thing can get super clogged. I had to order mine from mopar parts online and replace it. I've replaced it and code is completely gone. I had to spend a fortune fixing it but this is first time replacing in 96k miles in my Jeep. I was going to do it myself but I didnt trust my self so I used a local Jeep to fix it for me.

How much was it?

 

[hexeis]

Update: my P0401 went away for a couple months after cleaning the EGR valve but it has returned. Cleared it with a Tazer and it returned after 2 days. After seeing the failed attempts to clean the cooler, I’m going to bite the bullet and replace it and clean the tube between the cooler and valve.

Do you have an estimate yet? I'm wondering how much this work costs.

 

[Will]

The EGR cooler can be had for $400-500.

Labor would likely be around $500-$800 if you have the dealer replace the color and clean the valve and tube.

 

[jiwooncc]

It depends if you want to take it apart and clean it yourself or not. Mine was sitting at 90k+ miles and it was nearly.... perhaps impossible to clean and yes I did take them apart.

I had to order some parts regarding EGR. (order from mopar online its cheaper, never buy parts from dealerships, they upcharge by 30-40% higher) Anyhow, I believe my parts cost around $600-700 because I needed EGR valve and EGR cooler, guess I needed more parts.

Total, I spent around $1000-1200 for out the door price. If you know someone from dealership they can give you few hundred discount on labor but thats about it.

LA/OC labor cost should be between $175/hr - $225/hr depending on where you are. This is a 3hr-3.5hour job. If they quote you for more than 4 hours tell them it does not take 4 hours. LOL.

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