Code P401, when shifting transmission into drive the engine shuts off

Tiny
ROMANDO2021
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 251,000 MILES
P401 code showed, I changed EGR valve, clean throttle body, cleaned EGR ports, replaced fuel pressure solenoid and gas cap. When I plugged EGR valve back in the car still idles fine but soon as I put it in drive and try to give it gas it shuts off.
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 9:33 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would remove the EGR valve and start the engine. You should have a large exhaust leak and a heavy vacuum leak if the passages are clear.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

I attached the flow chart for the code below. Did you follow all the steps?

Roy

DTC P0401

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The powertrain control module (PCM) tests the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system during deceleration. The PCM does this by momentarily commanding the EGR valve to open while monitoring the signal circuit of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. When the EGR valve is opened, the PCM will expect to see a predetermined increase in MAP. If the expected increase in MAP is not detected, the PCM records the amount of MAP difference that was detected and adjusts a calibrated fail counter towards a calibrated fail threshold level. The number of EGR flow test counts required to exceed the fail threshold may vary according to the amount of detected EGR flow error.

Normally, the PCM will only allow one EGR flow test during an ignition cycle. To aid in verifying a repair, the PCM will allow up to 16 EGR flow test counts during the first ignition cycle following a code clear event. Between 9-16 EGR flow test counts should be sufficient for the PCM to determine adequate EGR flow and pass the EGR flow test. If the PCM detects an EGR flow error, DTC P0401 sets.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0300, P0336, P0403, P0404, P0502, P0503, P0506, P0507, P1106, P1107, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1374, P1404 are not set.
The Ignition 1 Signal parameter is between 11-18 volts.
The AC Relay Command parameter does not change.
The Current Gear parameter does not change.
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor parameter is between -7 and +100°C (+19 and +212°F).
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor parameter is more than 75°C (167°F).
The Engine Speed parameter is between 1,000-1,500 RPM.
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor parameter is between 17-43 kPa, 20-43 kPa for supercharged.
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor parameter does not change more than 2 grams per second.
The Barometric Pressure (BARO) parameter is more than 74 kPa.
The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor parameter is less than 1 percent.
The Vehicle Speed Sensor parameter is more than 45 km/h (28 mph) during deceleration.
The Idle Air Control (IAC) Position parameter does not change more than 3 counts while the above conditions are met.
The vehicle will need to be driven more than 80 km/h (50 mph), and then allowed to decelerate. When the vehicle is decelerating, while meeting all of the criteria listed above, the PCM will enable the EGR flow test to run. As the EGR flow test is running, you will see the Desired EGR Position parameter and the EGR Position Sensor parameter on the scan tool momentarily change from 0 to a calibrated value above 0. Additionally, the EGR Flow Test Count parameter on the scan tool will increment when each EGR flow test is completed.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The MAP changes monitored by the PCM during the EGR flow tests indicate an insufficient amount of EGR flow.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC
The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Inspect for the following conditions:
A vacuum restriction to the MAP sensor-A skewed MAP sensor reading can cause the PCM to read incorrect MAP changes during the EGR flow test.
An engine that is running poorly due to a mechanical condition such as worn piston rings, worn camshaft, etc.-These types of conditions can cause low engine vacuum and thus can cause a less than expected MAP changes during the flow test.
Excessive back pressure in the exhaust system may cause this DTC to set. This condition can cause low engine vacuum and thus can cause a less than expected MAP changes during the EGR flow test. Possible causes of this could be a restriction in the exhaust system or non original equipment manufacture (OEM) exhaust parts.
Exhaust system leaks can cause an insufficient amount of EGR flow through the EGR valve. This condition can cause a less than expected MAP changes due to insufficient exhaust back pressure. possible causes of this could be a leaking exhaust system, a leaking EGR pipe or non original equipment manufacture (OEM) exhaust parts.
A restriction in the intake manifold such as carbon deposits and casting flash

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-8
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
2. MAP sensor faults must be diagnosed first. A skewed MAP sensor reading could cause this DTC to set.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
SEVAG P
  • MECHANIC
  • 405 POSTS
Hello,

it sounds like vacuum leak, at exhaust leak, that cause to appear this fault code.

check our guide below how to check vacuum leak and engine stalling problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Check our guide how to check EVAP system.

https://youtu.be/DqUCbbKdWf4

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/evap-system-code-repair

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/smog-test-inspection-information

Check the attachment below of complete procedure of the fault code p0401,with diagrams.

let us know what happens with you.

thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 5:40 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links