helping a friend try to pass smog with a 2002 Chevy malibu. Throwing codes

[holden j caufield]

P0401, p0404, p0405. EGR problems. Are there tips, for cleaning this. We only need it to pass smog, I've reset the check engine light. Car runs fine.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Clean/replace the EGR valve. It'll cost roughly $100.

 

[holden j caufield]

Clean/replace the EGR valve. It'll cost roughly $100.

yeah I'm going to do this as money is tight for them now. Brake cleaner? Carb cleaner seems too strong. FYI I've never messed with an EGR before.

 

[PricklyPete]

yeah I'm going to do this as money is tight for them now. Brake cleaner? Carb cleaner seems too strong. FYI I've never messed with an EGR before.

I believe I used Carb cleaner on the EGR in my old Mazda without issue.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain

$58 at autopartswarehouse

 

[Vette73]

Rockauto has a EGR for it for $52 plus shipping.

 

[SludgeFactory]

I wouldn't blindly replace the EGR valve without looking at other (cheaper) stuff first. A lot of people just throw a new EGR valve at it, and continue to get the same trouble codes.

-Check out the electrical connections to the valve, the EGR sensor, and to the PCM. There could be a short at a connector or somewhere along a wiring harness.
-Look at hoses/tubing in the EGR system for cracks/leaks.
-Look for carbon buildup within the EGR system, especially where it feeds back into the intake and within the EGR valve itself. This can block passages or block the movement of the valve itself. Very common.
-The EGR sensor can go bad. I *just* had this happen on a 2001 Taurus, which I discovered is notorious for EGR sensor failure. I was getting P0401. Car was surging/bucking when letting off the gas at approx 30-40 mph.

Doing some google searching on 2002 Malibu may tell you if that car is known to have any specific EGR issue.

 

[SludgeFactory]

btw, Youtube has a surprising number of DIY vids on EGR system troubleshooting

 

[Squisher]

The passage from the EGR valve to the throttle body riser became totally plugged on my '98 F150. No need to buy anything except for a gasket. All it took was cleaning.

 

[SSSnail]

Did you test out the EGR valve to make sure it failed?