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Background: Throwing a CEL (401) intermittently over the last six months, with some odd idling and pinging too. Replaced air filter, cleaned MAF sensor, replaced EGR valve and valve position sensor, gas cap, oil cap, fuel filter, added some Techron, etc. Didn't change the plugs (too hard) and PCV valve (couldn't find it).
Code stayed off for about two months in various driving conditions, but came on yesterday. Decided to finally hunt down the PCV valve and replace it. When I pulled it, it seems like the spring was broken (holding it upside down, the plunger falls to the back of the valve).
Question: Could this $3 part have been causing the poor idle and pinging issues, not to mention creating the condition which threw the CEL?
To check the pvc valve you should pull it out and shake it. If it rattles then it is not clogged with deposits, reinstall it. If it doesn't rattle, replace it.