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1998 Pontiac Grand Prix

Question: EGR Valve and system-How hard is it to replace/clean?

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fergbi, Rockford, MI, January 27, 2012, 20:38
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 Rookie

My "Check Engine Light" came on. My car had no symptoms of anything wrong. I took it in and they told me the code was either a 401 or 404 (I can't remember which). They said my EGR valve should be replaced and that may fix the problem, and if I don't replace it, it could damage my engine. I've been reading online, and people are saying that just replacing the valve may not be enough, and that I should clean off the carbon buildup in the system. I'm a 19 year old female with little experience working on cars. How hard/damaging to my car would it be if I were to try and clean and/or replace the EGR valve? I'd be sure to read up on it. Any tips for a first timer like me would be great. Thanks!

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, January 27, 2012, 22:26
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     Master

    The EGR valve's purpose is to prevent detonation by lowering the temperature in the combustion chamber. I don't know much about Pontiac but some engines (Honda Accord and some Acura's) the ports in the intake manifold do plug up and get restricted. If it was determined for sure that the EGR valve was defective the EGR valve is real easy to replace on all three engine options for your car, one electrical connection and two bolts I think. Look at www.rockauto.com you will see what the part looks like, but it sounds like they did not do sufficient tests to condemn the valve as being bad.

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