Engine-Codes - Honda - P1491 Honda

P1491 Honda Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift

- Code Popularity: 140,025 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 2/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 2/3
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What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1491 Honda?

NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
  • Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve clogged
  • Exhaust gas leaks

Code Tech Notes

In some 1999–2003 Honda Odysseys and 2003 Honda Pilots, the EGR system may become contaminated or clogged. If this happens, the vehicle may hesitate or surge during light acceleration, and the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp)may come on with DTC P0401 (EGR insufficient flow) or P1491 (EGR valve insufficient lift). If DTC P0401 or P1491 is stored, or if the engine hesitate or surges, clean the EGR port, install an EGR pipe kit, and clear the code.













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How to Fix the DTC P1491 Honda?

Check the 'Possible Causes' listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

The cost to diagnose the P1491 Honda code is 1.0 hour of labor. The diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops vary depending on the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. Most auto repair shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

When is the Code Detected?

Low EGR flow control is detected

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
  • Engine hesitation

What Does the P1491 Honda Code Mean?

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). NOx is generated by high combustion temperatures.
The EGR system lowers peak combustion temperature by recirculating inactive exhaust gas into the air/fuel mixture, thus reducing NOx emissions.
The EGR valve position sensor is built into the EGR valve and detects the amount of valve lift. The command value for the target valve lift is previously stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) so that exhaust gas recirculation can be optimized according to driving conditions.
Comparing this command value with the EGR valve position sensor output signal value, the PCM controls the EGR valve to make the amount of actual valve lift equal to the command value.
If the EGR valve position sensor output signal value differs greatly from the command value in the PCM memory for a set period of time, the EGR valve or the EGR valve position sensor is considered faulty and a DTC is stored.
P1491 Honda Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift

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