BMWx3 EGR code p0401

[RoryLafferty]

Glad you’ve got there at last. I think more than a few of us have inadvertently caused other issues accidentally and ended up chasing our own tails. I know I have!

Hi, I keep getting the dreaded engine light and P0401 code reappear.

I have fitted a new EGR Valve and Cooler and the light and code pop back up within ten miles of clearing.

Did you conclude that cleaning the intake manifold was the actual means by which you managed to get rid of the p0401code?

Any help would be gratefully received as it is driving me mad.

Thanks

[RoryLafferty]

Ok update have finally cured all problems ..the code p1286 equates to code 41E2 abgasruekfuchrsteller,ansteuerung Exhaust gas recirculation actuator, control..( egr solinoid ) ..going back over all that Ive done in the last couple of months .I now believe I actually cured the original fault at the begining ..but because of my own over cautiousness I replaced parts that I could get to whilst I could believeing this would save time .I infact introduced extra problems 1 the damaged gasket ( this had to be done as I had removed manifold ) 2 fitting a new solinoid .the EGR problem (fault code 4501) was obviously caused by loss of pressure from inlet manifold . once I had cured this I got the 1286 code but that has is stated earlier is a generic code that can send you all around the planet ..it was only when i got a replacement k-dcan cable and had INPA running correctly that i got the 41E2 code pointing directly to the EGR solinoid I swapped it back out and put in the original ..cleared all codes and the car has done over 500 miles since that includes a few short Drives and one of over 50 miles straight ..multiple starts and stops ..ive tried to upload copy of inpa diagnostic print out but it wont let me .I believe I got the cloud of black smoke because i was running with egr unplugged at one point ..im getting no codes or problems with DPF .Im going to run a professional fuel system cleaner through it just as a back up ..if any body else has similer probs i hope putting down my experiances helps them out and I m quite willing to answer any questions if i can .

Hi, I keep getting the dreaded engine light and P0401 code reappear.

I have fitted a new EGR Valve and Cooler and the light and code pop back up within ten miles of clearing.

Did you conclude that cleaning the intake manifold was the actual means by which you managed to get rid of the p0401code?

Any help would be gratefully received as it is driving me mad.

Thanks

[wizard-58]

copy of reply in PM .
Hello Rory .my sincere apoligise for not getting back sooner .Not been on for a while due to illness .
my problem was solved after cleaning the manifold But I believe the actuall issue was due to an air leak possibly the fact that one of the inlet gaskets was damaged .
i will have a look back over my notes and see if any thing springs back to me and let you know
regards .

[wizard-58]

Hi there everyone .not been about for a while being the ripe old age of 65 i have had a few medical issues .the Dr,s have sorted them with a few new parts .and im pleased to say the car is still performing at about 95% .still have an issue with occasional misfire under acceleration and when she gets warm .dont get any codes or warnings and cant find find fault anywhere have tried different fuels etc and additives .but its still there and it doesnt effect it too badly just the odd judder ..Hope Rory got it sorted out with his problem .happy new yr to all ..bit late I know .

[X5Sport]

Welcome back…..and glad you’re getting sorted. I’m not far behind you. Changing our parts is a little harder than a new EGR valve though….

[wizard-58]

yeah agree there ..mind you its not so much the parts ( stents ) its all the drugs you have to take to reprogram ya body . .thought it was bad enough on the car

[X5Sport]

Be grateful we can reprogram our bodies - well most of the time ish. Under the new EU Rules, access to car systems is being blocked because you need a secure token to make changes and those are held by the manufacturer, only lasts whilst your car is connected to their servers and won’t let you enable (or disable) functions not part of your build or ‘off’ in your country. Mess with the emissions systems in any way and your car won’t even start!

Mind you, if anyone messed with my emission systems, I might not start either

[wizard-58]

sounds like its getting harder and harder to maintain new-ish vehicles think if my X3 packs in ill either give up driving or buy some thing pre 2005 or even earlier ... and as fro the emissions...well since reaching the over 60s era my emissions certainly shouldnt be messed with excuse the pun ..