weird egr valve problem

[icy]

Im not sure if i may have horrible luck but in one week i went through 3 brand new egr valves. They keep goving code p1404 egr valve pintle stuck open, but theres no carbon on them at all. Could it be possible the electric connector on the top is bad? It was exposed to a little water but i gave it 4 hours to dry before starting the car. If that sensor connector thingy is bad can i get one from autozone or would i have to go to the dealer. Also is there anything that can make an egr valve fail like another part? I tryed searching but cant find s similar problem. Its a 1998 saturn sl2 5 speed manual with 147500 miles each valve lasts about 10 key cycles before throwing codes and giving slight rough idle bounces from 750 rpms to 650ish then back up randomly except in cold weather then idles perfect.

[PlasticCarsRock]

Have you tried cleaning and re-using your original OE valve? Some aftermarket products are notoriously unreliable, although it seems like there may be more to this.

If you pull the valve (gently) immediately after the code sets, is the pintle actually stuck open?

[OldNuc]

Get a can of CRC QD-Electronics Connection Cleaner and spray out teh connector and socket. Reinstall the original valve. P1404 - EGR valve circuit performance - Actual greater than commanded. <--- copied from the 98 FSM Powertrain control section.

It is not stuck open, it is just not returning to the PCM learned full closed position as sensed by the PCM. This is determined by the PCM monitoring a changing resistance value as the valve closes or opens. Any dirty or loose connection will cause this code randomly. The connector is either shot or dirty. First thing to do is spray it out, let it dry and see what happens.

After cleaning and reconnecting valve Pull the PCM B fuse to clear out the previously learned position and any codes. Leave fuse out about 1 minute and then replace.

If it turns out to be a connector issue the cheap way to replace it is to go to the pick and pull and cut off a new one and just solder it into your car.

This P1404 is a common problem and is usually a connector issue if a new valve did not fix it.

[icy]

Thank you guys thats just another little part thats broke then. Ill have my mechanic change it monday.