I have a 96 Dodge Avenger SE that is giving me a P0401 Insufficient EGR Flow code. I recently replaced an O2 sensor a day or two later the above code came up. It seems to randomly die normally at low RPMs and also has a rough idol when started again. Other times it appears to run smooth and won’t die low rpms. What might be the cause bad EGR valve? Or passably a VAC leak. If it’s a bad EGR valve how do I check it? Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

You probably didn't have to replace the o2 sensors..

 

yoiu don't say what motor V6 OR I4 ?
troubleshooting is different for both motors

 

Sorry so it’s a 2.5. I took the EGR valve off and it appears to be pretty clean. See picture below. I am wondering if it’s open. I am able to blow air through it when blowing in the round whole air comes out the square whole. If I disconnect the bottom hose on the EGR vale air flow out. I would be talking about the VAC hose that connects closes to the engine just above where EGR valve connects to the engine. But prior to taking off the engine ran fine. From my understanding the engine would stall and die thought if the EGR valve where open.

 

sorry forgot to add the picture.

 

low flow is normally blocked passages or the valve not opening / opening fully

yes wide open it can cause stalling / bad idle ...

the weird thing is I've had my EGR blocked off the rear of the manifold for years and never get the code

So the code must be valve related

I'd try flushing carb cleaner thru there

 

I have it submerged as we speak right now in some carb cleaner hopefully that will resolve my car problems. I found a tin can to submerge just the valve. One site I found suggested doing it overnight which is my plan. Thanks for the input and help.

 

So after letting the EGR valve soak overnight and installing the next day. It died a few times on my way to work. But after work I was able to drive it home yesterday and today also without it dying. It idles fine also no skips or miss fires that I am able to hear. So just maybe the EGR valve was clogged up inside.

 

So the check engine light came back. I checked the code p0401 error. My fired suggested I change the PCV valve. At $2.00 that would be a cheap fix. I am going to give it a few days if that don’t fix it think my only option left is to replace the EGR valve. Thoughts?

 

you can try blocking it off on the rear of the manifold (mines been blocked for years)
unsure why I never threw a code

I still think yours is related to the valve itself have you checked canisters/piping/tubing