P0403 code

Tiny
ALLISONCCP
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MITSUBISHI EMERAUDE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 148,000 MILES
I can’t seem to solve this problem and it’s driving me crazy! I’ve read multiple threads on the same problem and I’ve tried all the suggestions, but nothing is fixing. I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with 148,000 miles on it. About 5 months ago, the SES light came on and pulled a P0403 code. I replaced the solenoid valve and cleared the code and it never came back on. Then, about a month ago, the SES light came on again and is now pulling a P0401 code: “Exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient detected.” I did not bother to change the solenoid valve again, as it stayed off when I replaced it after the P0403 code, but I did have the EGR valve replaced. After that did not fix the problem, I also had the entire system thoroughly cleaned. Even still, when vacuum is applied, the engine will not stall, although, the RPM’s drop. I figure if it was the solenoid valve again, it would throw the same code, and the ECU seems fine as there are no problems when the car is running. Aside from the obvious question as to what else this could be, if a solution cannot be found, is this something that can continue and not affect how the vehicle runs? In other words, is this mainly just an emissions problem, or is it something that is eventually going to make the vehicle inoperable? Thank you.
Friday, February 19th, 2016 AT 7:13 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
ALLISONCCP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I feel like I tried everything. Is there a way it can be the ECU? If it was, wouldn't it be having other problems?
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
The problem is you have a passage way that is clogged, try removing the valve and starting the engine, note the exhaust output along with the amount of vacuum from the opposing port, both should flow freely.
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Monday, March 7th, 2016 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
ALLISONCCP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All the passageways have been thoroughly cleaned by a mechanic, as well as replacements of the EGR valve, EGR valve control solenoid. Nothing has fixed it so far. Is this a problem that I can continue driving the car without it breaking down (it has not been exhibiting any performance/running problems so far)? As far as I understand, this issue will only affect emissions output. Thank you for your help.
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Is there vacuum getting to the control solenoid? Can you tee in a vacuum gauge and make the tube long enough to mount the gauge inside the car and take it foe a drive to see if the valve is getting vacuum?
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
ALLISONCCP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I plan on doing that, but now, since I have chang3ed the solenoid valve again, the P0403 code went away, but the P0401 came back on!
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Thursday, March 10th, 2016 AT 7:01 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Can you check if there is vacuum to the valve? It seems like we are missing something obvious.
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Friday, March 11th, 2016 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
ALLISONCCP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I took it in to a different mechanic this time and they found bebe pellets in the vacuum line! Since I've had this problem when I bought it less than a year ago, I imagine the last owner did that but I don't know why. Hopefully that fixed the problem! We'll see if the light comes back on. Because they said all the components were working properly.
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Monday, March 14th, 2016 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Wow, good find on that, it should fix the problem, nice work on getting back please use 2Carpros. Com anytime and tell a friend.
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Monday, March 14th, 2016 AT 8:54 AM

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