Score: Trout31 1 ; EGR Valve 0

trout31 · February 9, 2005

Well it goes like this:

SES light illuminates. No drivability problems nor other symptoms but want to know what gives anyway. Finally a week later I get time to stop in at Autozone where the guy gets a P0404 code with his OBD II scanner. (I love how they provide that service). Tells me this indicates an EGR valve problem. Now get this, he tells me not to buy the valve until I try to just clean it first. He cleared the code but the light came back on the next day.

Read up a little on the net ala google searching. Turns out this is pretty common. Especially with 66K on the odometer like I have. So I pull it off (located right on top, could not have been easier). Sure enough the valve was stuck solid in the closed position with all kinds of carbon crud. Gently rubbed and scrapped and poked around to get as much off as possible. Spinning valve prindle helped to wear away some of the junk on the seat. Tried three fluids. None of them even came close to providing any dissolving function. (carb cleaner, brake cleaner, and liquid wrench). Went back to just rubbin' and scrapin' (carefully).

Put it back on the truck. (also cleaned the throttle body since I was in there anyway)

Started it back up. SES goes out after three start up cycles. (did not have to disconnect the battery or fool around with the "re-learn" etc.)

Light has stayed off for a week now and counting.

I think the reason I had no symptoms (other than the SES light) was because it was stuck closed. I think if it had been stuck open I would have had problems since it would be like a vaccum leak.

Bottom line: Give Autozone some business next chance you get. They always get mine. Signed, Happy TROUT31

sjspor · February 9, 2005

I should put wing nuts on the one my 94 Beretta... It's a three solinoid deal which is a carbon collection expert. What really gets pluged on the 3.1's is the little passage between the valve and intake.

Make it a PM item to pull it, clean it with some carb cleaner and a toothbrush. Then clean the intake passage too.

Wingnut · February 9, 2005

I should put wing nuts on the one my 94 Beretta...
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm not sitting on your Beretta.

Trout,

I wish my '02's knock sensor was that easy. I'm waiting until it's warm to do that job. Pulling the intake manifold for a simple plug in sensor

trout31 · February 20, 2005

Update:

It is twelve days since the fix and all is still A-ok.

I think the suggestion that was offered of putting an EGR cleaning on the routine maintenance list is a good one.

navyblue1500crew · February 20, 2005

Try this the next time you pull those parts to clean 'em: GM Goodwrench Top Engine Cleaner aerosol. I had a 4.3 in a GMC Safari that would get a sticky throttle body every 25k miles, and the GM top engine cleaner was the only thing that worked for cleaning the gum and gunk off of it. The stuff just plain works, like brake cleaner or carb cleaner used to 20 years ago. The part # on the can I have is 1#12345089 Gr. 8.800. Try it--you'll like it. If you're avoiding the dealer parts counter like the plague, then check with your regular parts place--there's a 3M equivalent I've used in the past, and it's just as good (neither one of 'em are cheap, so be ready with some $$$). It's what you need to get that carbon buildup out of your egr valve.