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1404 code and EGR Valve

AlphaBetaBase

AlphaBetaBase

New member
I have a 1404 code re-occurring.

From Google searches, I know it is the EGR valve that is possibly dirty or it needs a PCM update as replacing it doesn't help.

Here's a example:
Saturn SC2 codes P-0341, 0404, & 1404 - OBD-Codes.com

Questions:
1) What are your thoughts? Cleaning, replacement, or PCM update?
2) If I want to clean it, where is it located? I have a 2004 GTP engine.
3) If cleaning, I'm guessing I need to seriously spray it with throttle cleaner. This is a good guess?

Thanks,
 


I would remove the EGR and clean it up.

Conditions for setting the code.

1. EGR Postition Sensor is .28 volts more than the EGR Learned Minimum Position parameter when the Desired EGR Position is commanded to 0% for 20 seconds
2.
The EGR Position Sensor parameter is more than 40% and is steady for .5 seconds after a test failure and before the next test will be run.
3. The above conditions are met 4 times.
 
I had mine off when I replaced my LIM gasket last year and I just cleaned every part of it that I could with regular brake cleaner.

As for where it is located, if you stand at the front of the car, looking at the engine it will be on the back side of the engine, right hand corner. Just behind the throttle body. Below is a picture of what it looks like.


DSC09896.jpg

​
 
FYI, you don't have to take it as far apart as Scotty did for a P1404 code. Just unplug the electrical connection then remove the two bolts at the valve itself and lift it off.

I picture is worth a 1000 words.:)
 
Yeah, I guess I should have clarified that. I was just using that more as a reference to what it looked like. But good point nonetheless.
 


SyntheticShield said:
Yeah, I guess I should have clarified that. I was just using that more as a reference to what it looked like. But good point nonetheless.
Click to expand...


not meaning to step on toes. I only mentioned the quick way because some people have trouble sealing those tubes up after removing them.;)
 
IndeedSS said:
not meaning to step on toes. I only mentioned the quick way because some people have trouble sealing those tubes up after removing them.;)
Click to expand...

You stepped on no toes and Im glad you pointed that out. If you ever step on my toes I will definitely let you know. One of my pet peeves is people that keep that stuff in and let it boil to such a point they explode on you later on for something completely unrelated.

Id rather explode on you now and enjoy the moment :eek:

Just kidding, I'll let you know if you cross me. I'll say my piece from my perspective, listen to yours and we'll move on down the road and it will be done with.
 
Wow, thanks syn. Those directions and picture does help. I see it now. I thought that was it. It looks like something that would be a EGR valve.

All this time, I forgot I had a Chilton manual. Its for 1997-00 but it will do for the L32 motor.

Will I need to replace the gasket after I clean it? I'm guessing that's a yes and I would have to get the gasket from the dealer.


This goes on the subject of seafoam but I'll start a separate thread for it. What's a car forum without a seafoam thread :D
 
You are welcome, glad I could help. I have seen EGR gaskets in Autozone and Advanced Auto. Now whether they have them for our car is another matter completely.

I have never used seafoam, I use another product to keep the engine clean and it doesnt require a change in the plugs either and it does such a good job, I have been able to see it on oil analysis testing.
 


I've had my EGR off a few times and never had to replace the gasket. However, my car is an 04 so I'm not sure how much they will deteriorate over time. Better to have one on hand just in case.
 
Wellp,

I got a gasket from autozone. They didn't have one for an 04 but they had one from an older model where the surfaces were very similar. I put it on top of a 2004 EGR that they had. It fits almost 100% but alignment of the screws was correct. Plus it was metallic-like, similar to the old one.

The Advanced auto parts guy told me to try spraying and soak some Seafoam Deep Creep down there. It's Seafoam mixed with PB blaster. He told me to expect to see smoke because of the carbon.
Sea Foam--products

I'll let you guys know what happens.

Off-topic:
I put some seafoam in the gas tank. Probably won't see a difference for a while. I'm guessing its the same stuff lucas and all the others sell. Its 50 yrs old stuff so I assume its just probably just a strong solvent and nothing more.

Her is someone putting it in a SC400. I think the white smoke is the seafoam and not the carbon as so many people say.
YouTube - How to Seafoam Sc400
 
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Well, I did some cleaning with air intake cleaner and Seafoam Deep Creep. A day later, the light came back on but it looks like it is less frequent.

Should I just go and buy an EGR? From what I've seen in other posts, their light still came on.

Thoughts?
 
AlphaBetaBase said:
Well, I did some cleaning with air intake cleaner and Seafoam Deep Creep. A day later, the light came back on but it looks like it is less frequent.

Should I just go and buy an EGR? From what I've seen in other posts, their light still came on.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...


the code you're seeing is not a failed egr, rather the pintle is open when it has been commanded closed. while this could be from contaminants, but also there are a few other things to look at... the egr pintle position could need to be relearned... (involves clearing the code, immediatlely disconnecting power and egr, plugging egr back in and turning on car... have the instructions here somewhere if needed0


the other thing? your gas cap.

yep.

i an egr code (it was either this one, or the exact oposite, the pintle was closed when commanded open) and i replaced the gas cap... problem went away, and hasnt come back in months and months
 


I for one would love to see the instructions to add to my library and, if you wanted, post in the How To section. This is all good stuff.
 
SyntheticShield said:
I for one would love to see the instructions to add to my library and, if you wanted, post in the How To section. This is all good stuff.
Click to expand...


from the notes i have here, the pintle position must be relearned either via tech 2, or the following: (this goes for attempts at re-learning with the old, and learning new, if it's replaced)

disconnect EGR valve plug.
with key on, clear SES light/code.
immediately turn off key, so code does not reset.
plug in EGR valve plug.
turn on key.
 
i'd put it at the rare side (i's put the # at 1-2%) but i have had the newer linear EGR valves fail on the position sensor, they dont fail nearly as often as the old triple pintle egr's
good news though...one from a Jyard is likely good

BTW for removal of carbon i use chrysler combustion chamber cleaner in an aerosol can. you can actually see it eat the carbon away...
 
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