Malfunction Indicator with P0401 code

[Patrick_Dickey]

I've got a strange turnaround in this thread now....

I returned home last week, and have been driving the car as little as possible until I can get it into a shop. Tonight, I had to go to the Post Office and run some errands. At some point in time, I looked down and the light was off.

When I stopped at Menards, I shut the car off, and made a point to watch when I turned it back on. The light was off. I took the car out on the open road to "blow the cobs out". Then at my next stop, I shut it off again, and when I started it, the light was off.

I got home, and checked to make sure that the light was working (which it is) and then I did the off-on-off-on-off-on to see if the codes are still there (they are).

So now I wonder could something have jammed in the valve temporarily (like a piece of gunk or something) and it finally broke free? Or should I be expecting to go out one day, start the car, and have it cough, groan, rolll over, and die a horrible death?

Have a great day
Patrick.

[CREWZIN]

Possibly it cleared itself. I wouldn't take it in for repair if it isn't doing anything. Just keep an eye on it. Maybe, if you know the dealer or mechanic you can mention it and ask about the emissions warranty.

[Patrick_Dickey]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Possibly it cleared itself. I wouldn't take it in for repair if it isn't doing anything. Just keep an eye on it. Maybe, if you know the dealer or mechanic you can mention it and ask about the emissions warranty.

Thanks for the quick reply. I asked the Chrysler dealer (mechanic) back in Nebraska when I originally called, about the emmisions warranty. He told me that it's mainly for the catalytic converter and things like that. So, I'm out of luck on that one.

Have a great day
Patrick.

[CREWZIN]

Patrick,

You know a dealer will lie. Read on......

What Emission Control and Emission Related Parts Are Covered by The Design and Defect Warranty?

An emission control part is any part installed with the primary purpose of controlling emissions. An emission related part is any part that has an effect on emissions. Listed below are some examples of parts or systems which fall under these definitions. A more complete list can be found in your owner's manual/warranty booklet. If any of the parts listed below fail to function or function improperly because of a defect in materials or workmanship, causing your vehicle to exceed federal emission standards, they should be repaired or replaced under the emissions warranty if your vehicle is less than 2 years old and has been driven less than 24,000 miles. One manufacturer may use more parts than another, so the following list is not complete for all vehicles.
EMISSION CONTROL PARTS

1. Exhaust Gas Conversion Systems: oxygen sensor, thermal reactor, catalytic converter, dual-walled exhaust pipe
2. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System: EGR valve, thermal vacuum switch, EGR solenoid, EGR spacer plate, EGR backpressure transducer, sensor and switches used to control EGR flow
3. Evaporative Emission Control System: purge valve, fuel filler cap, purge solenoid, vapor storage canister, and filter
4. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System: PCV valve, PCV solenoid
5. Air Injection System: Air pump diverter, bypass, or gulp valve, reed valve, anti-backfire or deceleration valve
6. Early Fuel Evaporative (EFE) System: EFE valve, thermal vacuum switch, heat riser valve
7. Fuel Metering System: electronic control module (unit) or EFI air flow meter, computer command module or mixture control unit, deceleration controls, electronic choke, fuel injectors, fuel injection units and fuel altitude compensator sensor, bars or rails for EFI or TBI systems, mixture settings on sealed fuel mixture control solenoid, diaphragm or other systems, fuel metering components that achieve closed/other feedback control sensors/loop operation switches and valves
8. Air Induction System: thermostatically controlled air cleaner, air box
9. Ignition Systems: electronic spark advance timing advance/retard systems, high energy electronic ignition
10. Miscellaneous Parts: hoses, gaskets, brackets, clamps, and other accessories used in the above systems.

Read the whole thing: Information on Manufacturers emissions Warranties for 1995 Newer Cars and Trucks | On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) | US EPA

[Patrick_Dickey]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Patrick,

You know a dealer will lie. Read on......

What Emission Control and Emission Related Parts Are Covered by The Design and Defect Warranty? .....

Thanks for the information. If I'm reading it correctly, the Control and Related parts are only covered up to 24,000 miles (which I'm well past) and the major parts like the Catalytic Converter are covered up to 80k.

No matters either way. I'll start saving now, and hope that it's a while before the part goes out again. And, I've read through a Chilton's manual on the PT Cruiser, and aside from removing half of the engine (exxageration), it looks like a fairly simple project. I think I can handle it.

Have a great day
Patrick.

[dunk08]

There are lots of auto repair information online and free. In case you can't find help on your repair manuals you can search online.

[drscope]

Local auto parts store just quoted $133 for the EGR valve. And it's a special order part.