Service Engine Soon Light - Exhaust Gas Recirculation

[scross]

Hello.

My Service Engine Soon light popped on this morning as I leaving for work; almost immediately after starting. I drove the car in with no problems (about 25 miles + typical morning rush hour traffic). The light stayed on bright the whole way. I called up a Midas (closest service center to my office) and the guy said they'd run the fault code for free if I came by, so I did. The guy who checked it didn't give me the actual code, but said it pertained to the EGR Valve.

My question, since I'm a little strapped for cash until payday (Friday following the one coming up) and a diagnostic is about $100, is would it be advisable to continue driving the car until then? I'm really ignorant when it comes to cars and want to get this addressed, but, from the sound of it, it's a pretty pricey part to replace.... but I also don't want cause any other damage.

I drove the car home this afternoon (typical afternoon rush hour and quite hot outside) and there no issues to speak of. Aside from that light being on, the car runs as it always has (no rough idling, stalling, lurching on acceleration... no performance issues to speak of... and the engine isn't knocking - runs as smooth as it did the day before).

Your input is appreciated!

[acidcrashdburnd]

I know of cars that have gone years without a working EGR, just replace it yourself 2 10mm bolts and one plug.

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[acidcrashdburnd]

Furthermore if you have an autozone near you they will pull codes for free and give you the code number, I think o'rileys does this too. This will really tell you if its an EGR.

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[scross]

Awesome! Thank you! I did manage to scour online for where this thing is located and it sits up on top; looks pretty easy get to. I'll order the part and swap it out! Would you happen to know if simply replacing it will reset the light or will I have to have it reset by mechanic?

[Rico]

Under certain conditions the EGR will open letting some of the exhaust gases into the LIM. This is supposed to lower combustion temperatures thereby improving gas mileage and reducing NOX emissions.

A DTC may set if:

1. The solenoid is not working and the valve does not open. PCM is looking for a change in manifold pressure.
2. The manifold pressure sensor is bad.

Easy way to test is start the car and apply +12 volt supply to the power wire on the EGR valve. The idle RPM should change abruptly.

Edited: I forgot to mention that the EGR tube may be clogged which will set code P0401 - insufficient flow.

[acidcrashdburnd]

Awesome! Thank you! I did manage to scour online for where this thing is located and it sits up on top; looks pretty easy get to. I'll order the part and swap it out! Would you happen to know if simply replacing it will reset the light or will I have to have it reset by mechanic?

Disconnect positive cable from battery for about an hour, that will clear the codes. But before you do anything test it how Rico describes.

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