Yeah !!! --- P0431 Code

[T2T]

OK, I'm still fighting the P0400 code. The P0431 code did go away with the spark plug anti-foulers. However, a new code appeared because I twisted some of the O2 wires upon reinstallation and messed them up. A new Bosch O2 sensor fixed all associated O2 codes. I'm no longer using the anti-foulers. No need for them.

I've replaced a number of solenoids as well as vacuum line and vacuum "T" connectors. Yet, the bloody P0400 still is with me.

Today, I made an order via Rock Auto for intake manifold gaskets and throttle body gaskets. I believe what I'll end up doing is removing the intake manifold and through the use of a few cans of brake cleaner and my air compressor - as well as various sizes of wiring, attempt to do my best at cleaning out the ports on the intake manifold with it off of my vehicle.

I'm getting down to the wire, as I have about 3 weeks left before I can get my emissions inspection done so I can renew the tags. If anything, I can clear up the P0400 code for long enough (25 miles or so) that I'll get through the emissions test and get another 2-year "breather" until the next emissions test.

It's not so much the P0400 - well, actually it is. Mainly, it's the idea of the check engine light being on. It frustrates the H E L L out of me. Given the efforts that I've applied to rid the car of the code, yet the check engine light seems to remind me daily that I've failed at some point or another.

[ME2000]

That is weird... I'm lost... I may be going out on a limb, but I say clear the code as you pull up to the place and then let it pass emissions and be in the clear for 2 more years. Milly is acting up, Shame on her for throwin the P0400 code! I'm sure you took care of the EGR valve, soooo I REALLY don't know why you've had this code for SOOOO long. I say clear it before emissions are due.

[T2T]

Originally Posted by ME2000

That is weird... I'm lost... I may be going out on a limb, but I say clear the code as you pull up to the place and then let it pass emissions and be in the clear for 2 more years. Milly is acting up, Shame on her for throwin the P0400 code! I'm sure you took care of the EGR valve, soooo I REALLY don't know why you've had this code for SOOOO long. I say clear it before emissions are due.

I'm with you there. Actually, that's what I did 2 years ago. I was in line behind about 3 or 4 cars. Whipped out the code reader, cleared the code. Let the car idle until it was my turn for the emissions inspection ... and, quickly shoved the code reader under the passenger seat.

[ME2000]

Originally Posted by T2T

I'm with you there. Actually, that's what I did 2 years ago. I was in line behind about 3 or 4 cars. Whipped out the code reader, cleared the code. Let the car idle until it was my turn for the emissions inspection ... and, quickly shoved the code reader under the passenger seat.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I'm glad they dont do emissions here in florida. BTW what do they do in emission-inspection states? And why do they have emissions in some states, and not others? I believe I've asked this before.

[T2T]

Originally Posted by ME2000

Now thats what I'm talking about! I'm glad they dont do emissions here in florida. BTW what do they do in emission-inspection states? And why do they have emissions in some states, and not others? I believe I've asked this before.

In some of the states that do perform emissions inspections, they don't do it state-wide. In my state, Virginia, for example, they only perform an emissions inspection every 2 years. Additionally, it's only done in the counties with larger populations where you have a larger pool of polluters.

As far as the inspection goes, it's part visual, part electronic and part "real-world". They visually inspect your emissions related components to ensure you haven't removed sensors, canisters, etc. Electronically, they monitor your car to ensure there isn't any codes and they place a tube up the exhaust pipe. For the real-world part, they strap your car with a safety belt and place the wheels on rollers (sort of like a dyno) so they can get the RPMs up around 2,000 and keep it there for several minutes. Once the test is done - and you've passed, the results are electronically submitted to the department of motor vehicles. From there, you can go on-line and renew your tags for up to 2 more years.

Oh, I forgot the boring part. If you procrastinate until the end of the month, the lines get a bit long and you may spend up to a few hours in line behind the other procrastinators waiting to get their cars inspected. A good book helps you through these moments.

[yel-low]

That's great that you passed with resetting right before. Last time I tried that in NOVA they failed me because I hadn't got past the "system readiness" point. How gay is that?

VA has got to be the hardest place I have ever lived to pass a state inspection. I have learned to keep a bottle of "Guaranteed to Pass" in my garage. I have never failed since using it. For $9 its the best thing in a bottle.

[T2T]

Originally Posted by yel-low

I have learned to keep a bottle of "Guaranteed to Pass" in my garage. I have never failed since using it. For $9 its the best thing in a bottle.

What is this product you speak of? Sounds like cheap insurance to me.

Today, I did a knee-jerk reaction and ordered a mess of stuff from Rock Auto. Intake gaskets, EGR valve gaskets, throttle body gaskets, etc. I was assuming that I'd be spending more time on the Milly this weekend by pulling off the intake manifold and soaking it in parts cleaner to get it fully cleaned. Though, with the CEL off, I can focus on the brake pad replacement job. Also, I checked the price from a local shop to perform the BG Products process of cleaning the EGR system. The price is now up to $329 and takes about 2.5 hours. For that kind of money, I can buy a nice plastic tub, a few gallons of parts cleaner and soak all of my EGR components and intake manifold for about 48 hours, then blow the c r a p out with my air compressor.

[yel-low]

**** that BG cleaner ****!! NOTHING is going to compare to you taking the manifold off and cleaning it yourself. There isn't a single product in the world that you can spray in the intake or add to the fuel/oil/gas and call it a day.

There isn't a substitute to pulling the manifold and egr valve yourself and putting a little elbow grease into it.

The Guaranteed to Pass stuff can be found at Advance Auto. Grab a bottle and read up on it. I run my tank almost dry and dump it it. I refill (about $5 worth) with the best 93 octane I can find and drive for a good while before I take it in for inspection. The thing works. I can honestly swear on it.

[ME2000]

Hmm I'll remember that Yel-low when if I ever move into an emissions state. And T2T good luck on passing yours. Its crazy how long the lines can be sometimes (glad we dont do emissions). I live in a small town so it may take up to 30 mins to get in and out. Last time it was like 5 mins for me to get my registration renewed. Kudos for a small town. I think I'll do it online next time.

[Kutcht1]

So, did the P0431 code go away due to the new o2 sensor (if so before or after the front pre-cat), or due to the anti-foulers?

TomK