[jer37]

Re: Camry 2.2L 2001 VSV for EGR Replacement

Just want to add something to what kodyw posted. Instead of installing it at the same spot, there is another hole left of it and in clear view that you could mount on. I used that hole and bolt works.

(snipped)

mavic

I am new here and have the 401 code also. This comment intrigued me. My thinking is if there is another place to bolt the vsv to why not just leave the old one in place and install the new one in this alternate location unless there is not enough room for 2.

I have so far removed, cleaned and checked my EGR Valve and and reinstalled it. I also installed a new PCV valve. I have cleared the 0401 code and I am waiting for it to come back. So far so good. I also cleaned and checked the modulator and it seems ok.

I am very glad I found this forum and this thread because it will save me some money and that's good thing.

Thanks for all of the good info here.

jer37

 

[shet]

Thanks to all you guys. I was able to change the EGR VSV on my Camry 2000 (4 cyl). Some of the things I did are as follows:

1) Wore a thick full sleeved t-shirt (thanks to others earlier who warned about sharp corners)

2) Did not remove the front right wheel but turned it all the way to the left. Then jacked up the car.

3) Then removed the plastic thing just after the wheel (mud guard ??). See the attached image 1_wheel_well.JPG for that plastic thing's pic.

4) Used the tools shown in attached image 2_tools.JPG. From left, ratchet wrench, 20 inch extension bar (craftsman), universal joint and 12 mm socket. All are 3/8" inch.

5) Removed the electrical connector after going underneath. Remember to press on the tab before yanking it off. The left blue colored thing in the attached image 3_vsv_locn.JPG is the connector. And the right blue colored thing is the one on the new VSV. It took me a while to figure out the tab.

6) Removed the bolt attached to the VSV by lying outside on the floor near the right from wheel. The 20 inch extension helped. See the attached image 3_vsv_locn.JPG. This image is after I had connected the vacuum pipes the new VSV but before connecting the electrical connector and before bolting it. The jutting non magnetic tool has grabbed the part of the VSV which has the hole for the bolt.

7) Go underneath the car and do what others earlier have told about changing the VSV

8) While installing the new VSV, the bolt is difficult to put using the tools (even with the magnetic inserts I had). However, I was able to screw the bolt using my hands by going underneath and then tightned it by using the tools from outside. I inserted the bolt in the hole in the new VSV with index finger and then took the VSV near the hole in the engine block and then screwed it with the same index finger. I could not believe that I was able to tighten it with my hands and that too with restriction of using only one finger. I was really relieved that this step turned out to be quick for me.


9) Also get all the tools mentioned by others. I purchased all the tools mentioned in step 4) above as well as magnetic pickup tool, non-magnetic pickup tool, inspection mirror, magnetic inserts. For e.g. the mirror was useful while putting back the plastic thing which I removed in step 3 above

Best of luck to others.

Thanks
Diwakar

 

[jer37]

Well my 401 code came back so I replaced the Modulator and have been driving
for about a week now with no code. I also checked with my code reader and where I was getting a yellow lite I am now getting green.

I still have a problem though, the car misses and bucks now and then after
it has warmed up. Could this be an oxygen sensor going bad. I had those
symptoms about 4 years ago and replacing the sensor took care of the problem
but I do not remember if a code was generated.

I did buy a VSV valve but have not installed it yet, looks like I may have wasted
money there but I will install it anyways. Cant hurt.

jer37

 

[descomcu]

I've got code P0401 on my Toyota Camry 2001 56k miles. I did replace ERG Modulator for a new one but code came back on few days later. Next, I replaced the VSV for EGR following step by step in previuos post, it was vary helpful. I've been driving for about a month a no code has show up. I want thanks for helping me solve this problem with my car.

Has anybody experienced problems with gas pedal on Toyota Camry 2001 getting sticky ? Sometimes my gas pedal gets stuck and I has to put a lot pressure on it to get throttle.I did clean my Throttle body butterfly only with TB Cleaner and no major improvement noticed, any suggestions ??? thanks in advance

 

[rhonec]

I have driven 9,000 miles after replacing this part. No Check Engine Light and trouble code scans are clean! The dealer wanted to replace just about every EGR related part under the hood. Folks TRY THIS FIRST. New VSV costs $60-$80 and worth the try.

 

[frankcamry]

Hi all,

I am desperately need your help. I tried to remove the VSV for EGR without success. The location make it very hard to reach and there barely any space for me to work on my rachet. I tried to reach it from the right side wheel well as mentioned, using an universal joint and extension but was not able to remove the 12mm bolt, it did not even budged a bit.
I need advise on how to remove the bolt and also how to remove the wire socket. I am thinking if i an revove the wire socket and the vacuum tube i might as well install a new VSV somewhere easier.
Thanks in advance.

Frank
97 4cyl camry

 

[mustang67408]

You can always come to LV,NV and let me have a try at removing it.
Have you tried soaking the bolt with WD-40 or equvilant and getting a breaker bad instead of a wratchet which will give you more turning leverage. Some of those bolt are very tight and may even corrode a bit after time.
The wire socket has a tab that you squeeze and then the connector comes off, the vacuum hose should just pull off if you slightly twist it.

 

[frankcamry]

Thanks for the idea, I will try to use WD-40 or something else to soak the bolt, hoep this will help me take it out. will post result after weekend.

 

[ach1199]

Did this operation today and it worked like a charm ! The CEL went away after half an hour of on/off highway speed. Went for the Emission test and the car passed with flying colors. Thanks everyone for your help. I could not have done it without this site. Now, one more things that's bugging me about my 99 camry is that it makes a loud loud squealing noise I make a turn, especially when pulling out of a parking space. This started after a friend changed the timing belt on my car recently.

 

[mustang67408]

Glad TS was able to assist you. I would have to say that you should check the drive belts for proper tension. They had to be removed to do the Timing belt and may not be set quite right.

 

[jakenro]

Thank you for the details on where to position your arms. The only thing I would add is, once your car is safely secured on jack stands, lay under the car with your feet toward the back bumber and head directly under the oil pan. From this position you cannot see the VSV but you can reach up and pull down on the ratchet.

 

[mosnar85]

Great post!Thanks! I was able to change it out in no time! Although the problem is still showing up! I've changed the EGR valve, and the VSV, checked the modulator...i think its still ok,the filters were a little dirty though, cleaned them the best i could. Does anyone have any ideas. Maybe a plugged hose or something? Please if you have any info, i would greatly appreciate the input.

 

[mustang67408]

Great post!Thanks! I was able to change it out in no time! Although the problem is still showing up! I've changed the EGR valve, and the VSV, checked the modulator...i think its still ok,the filters were a little dirty though, cleaned them the best i could. Does anyone have any ideas. Maybe a plugged hose or something? Please if you have any info, i would greatly appreciate the input.

Make sure the vacuum lines to the EGR MODULATOR are not plugged or dirty and clean the throttlebody where they attach and then replace the modulator, they always (99%) are bad.
There is also a MAP sensor that reads the engine data and may be improperly reading, make sure the vacuum line to it is clean an the filter it attaches to is allowing enough vacuum thru.

 

[mosnar85]

Make sure the vacuum lines to the EGR MODULATOR are not plugged or dirty and clean the throttlebody where they attach and then replace the modulator, they always (99%) are bad.
There is also a MAP sensor that reads the engine data and may be improperly reading, make sure the vacuum line to it is clean an the filter it attaches to is allowing enough vacuum thru.

Thanks for the info. I replaced the modulator and it fixed the problem. I wish I would have done the in the first place. Thanks for the help!

 

[patildg]

I did this excercise today (on camry 1998 2.2L 5SFE), and will find out what the codes I get after driving 50+ miles.
In the mean time I would like to post a picture of my camry's location of the vsv valve-
(the hoses have white and yellow bands, and they are too faint to notice, so I'v wrapped the yellow band with a orange tape).
The picture is taken from back of passenger side wheel after turning the steering wheel to extreme left.

 

[camry2000]

Successfully replaced the VSV for EGR. This post was very helpful. It took me a day to replace it. I am posting some of my experience.
1. I had trouble loosening the bolt through the passenger side wheel opening using universal joint and extension. I setup a web cam so that I can see the VSV bolt from the top. Now I was able to remove the bolt by standing near the passenger side wheel and reaching the bolt from the top using a 3/8 6 inch extension. This worked out very well.
2. As mentioned in this post, remove the electric connector before removing the bolt. It took me a while to remove the connector after removing the bolt.
3. The best way to screw the bolt in is to reach through the passenger side wheel and using your hand to screw it in.
4. Once the bolt is screwed, you can tighten it from the top using the web cam.

Thanks for the wonderful post.

 

[mgk_print]

Thanks for all the great info in this post! I had to sign up because I found this site after searching for the vsv for 30 min., besides, now that my keyboard is well lubricated I might as well comment on the fix. For newbie DIYers: Please let the motor cool off first! Knuckle-busting around a hot engine makes Jack a dull boy! I liked the idea of using the next available bolt hole to reinstall the part in a user friendly spot. I, too, have to pass the emissions rodeo this month. Replaced the egr valve (need the right tools for that job) and cleaned the modulator filter. Egr was almost fully blocked. All the manuals, most of the parts stores with any repair help online could not pinpoint the exact problem or location of the P0401 code. Not until trying this post was I able to confidently do the repair! Thanks All!:tu:

 

[pthang]

To remove the camry 98 VSV , I turn the wheel to the left, then jacked up the car then removed the right wheel . I used long socket 12 mm successfully to move the bolt .
After that , the job is easy . This part is the culprit for the Engine check light turn on .
with this light turn on, yearly emission state control will fail This VSV valve is well hidden in the engine place where I could not get to it from the bottom of the car .
Good luck . If I do it again, it will take me about less than 30 minutes . Try to avoid stripping the bolt . It was tough but not that bad . After that, I turn on the engine, I increase the speed of the engine and put my finger to the underneath of the EGR valve located on the top of the engine ( look like a big mushroom ), I can feel the vacuum membrane move up and down with the speed of the engine.
If the P0401 code show up again, I will take out the EGR valve and clean up again with Carburator cleaner . EGR is very expensive and does not go bad easily ( $150 ) at advance auto parts .

Good luck .

 

[alex13]

I recently inherited a 2000 Camry LE and wanted to post on here to thank the original poster for the information on the VSV. The factory service manual links allowed me to easily troubleshoot the solenoid (ohms were out of range).

I really don't understand why some people find it difficult to remove--all it took was a short 12mm socket, a 6" extension and a 3/8" ratchet (done laying down under the car).

There is a very easy spot to relocate the VSV using the same bracket and hoses. See attached pic. It is a spare 10mm head bolt hole located on the passenger side of the intake manifold.

 

[shag]

This formun is very useful. My 99 Camry had "EGR Flow Insufficient" error. I followed this thread to fix the problem. I did the following things.

1) Mechanic cleaned EGR Valve. But, check engine light came back after 5 miles drive. 2)2) I Replaced EGR Modulator. Check engine light came back again after few miles.
3) Mechanic replaced Vaccumm Switching Valve (VSV), light didn't come back.
I spent around $200 (parts+labor) for all these.

I think best approach is to replave VSV first to fix the problem.

FYI: I bought Modulator and VSV from Avdance Auto Parts and used $20 off coupon on each part.

Thank you all for your valuable info.