AutoCodes – Honda – P1491 2000 Honda Civic

P1491 2000 Honda Civic Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift

Quick Answer

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P1491 2000 Honda Civic indicates Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
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Code Popularity 5,572
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 03, 2020
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Code P1491 2000 Honda Civic Description

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.
OBDII Code P1491 2000 Honda Civic - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift - AutoCodes.com
P1491 2000 Honda Civic Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1491 2000 Honda Civic?

  • 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

How to Fix the DTC P1491 2000 Honda Civic?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1491 2000 Honda Civic code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1491 2000 Honda Civic code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1491 2000 Honda Civic Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic related to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Insufficient Lift?

Symptoms may include poor engine performance, rough idle, stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic?

Common causes include a faulty EGR valve, clogged EGR passages, a malfunctioning EGR solenoid, vacuum leaks, or wiring issues.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic at home?

You can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code and then visually inspect the EGR valve and its components for any signs of damage or blockages. Checking the vacuum lines and electrical connections is also recommended.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic cause further damage?

Continued driving with this code may lead to increased emissions, reduced engine efficiency, and potential damage to other engine components over time. It is best to address the issue promptly.

5. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic?

Try cleaning the EGR valve and passages first to see if that resolves the issue. If not, consider replacing the EGR valve, solenoid, or addressing any vacuum leaks or wiring problems.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my 2000 Honda Civic with the check engine light on due to OBDII code P1491?

While the vehicle may still be driveable, it is recommended to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent potential long-term damage to the engine and emission system.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic at a mechanic?

The cost can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the labor rates of the repair shop. Expect to pay for diagnostic time, parts, and labor for the repair.

8. Can I reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P1491 on my 2000 Honda Civic?

Yes, once the underlying issue causing the code is resolved, you can use an OBDII scanner to clear the code and reset the check engine light.

9. Will OBDII code P1491 on a 2000 Honda Civic cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?

Yes, this code is related to emissions control, and if not addressed, it can lead to a failed emissions test due to increased emissions from the vehicle.

10. How often does OBDII code P1491 related to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Insufficient Lift occur in 2000 Honda Civics?

While it is not the most common OBDII code, it can still occur in older vehicles like the 2000 Honda Civic, especially if regular maintenance of the EGR system has been neglected.

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