Do Egr valves Break?

[stantheman13]

I'm getting an egr code and I've taken it off and cleaned it pretty well. Code is still there....do these electronic egrs break often?

[BV22]

Yes, the electric actuator in the EGR valve can fail, leaving the valve unable to respond to an "open" command. I wouldn't say it happens often, but it has happened once on my car at age 8.5 years. I replaced the valve after cleaning the old one failed to eliminate the code, and haven't seen it since.

[stantheman13]

Did you replace it with a new one? Which make?

[BV22]

Yes, bought a new one at AutoZone - probably their Duralast brand. Sadly, these things are not cheap. If you have a pick and pull near you, it might be worth a shot to get a used one.

[stantheman13]

Tx...yea, $100+ for a stupid egr valve on a motor with 180k+miles doesn't seem like a cool deal.

[PlasticCarsRock]

I would trust an OE one from the junkyard over a new one from the parts store. Aftermarket electronic parts are a crap shoot at best.

Find one that looks original, clean it, and install it on your car. Be sure it's from a compatible year--they changed once, and are not interchangeable (but they look very similar).

The solenoid that opens the pintle can fail, and the position sensor that tells the PCM how far the valve is open can fail. Both failures are very rare, but possible. Both can be tested. You'll need a multi-meter and a connector diagram. Check across the solenoid coil for an open circuit, and check the position sensor for smooth constant variation as you push the pintle in, and then allow it to return back. If cleaning the valve hasn't helped (and you did a good job), there is most likely a problem with it (although it could also be a wiring problem--make sure the EGR valve connector is in place and is not contaminated with oil or anything else). Make sure the wiring is not damaged.

[stantheman13]

Thanks! So they did change the egr? Is the '97 sohc one the same as one from a 2002 car?

[PlasticCarsRock]

Originally Posted by stantheman13

Thanks! So they did change the egr? Is the '97 sohc one the same as one from a 2002 car?

I don't recall the year they changed, but my best guess is that '97 and '02 are different. I know it has been posted several times (the years and model numbers)--you can probably find it pretty quickly by searching. (I'm not talking about the change from vacuum to electric EGR valves in '95/'94--there were two different electric valves that look very similar.)

edit: I think the new valve started in 2000. So '94/'95 to '99 are compatible, and '00 to '02 are compatible. I'm not positive, so you should try to verify this.

[stantheman13]

Thanks...I'll do a search for sure.

[td1238]

Position sensor failed on mine at a little over 200k. New unit from O'Reilly Auto is still working well at about 236k.

[guerilla]

Mine threw a 1404 code frequently. I tried cleaning it multiple times until I got tired enough of it that I got one from a junkyard. $10...and from a Chevy Cavalier. I still occasionally get that code, but not nearly as frequently and it gives me a big enough window to be able to pass emissions with no trouble codes.

[td1238]

Originally Posted by guerilla

Mine threw a 1404 code frequently. I tried cleaning it multiple times until I got tired enough of it that I got one from a junkyard. $10...and from a Chevy Cavalier. I still occasionally get that code, but not nearly as frequently and it gives me a big enough window to be able to pass emissions with no trouble codes.

That's why you don't buy used parts of this type from a junkyard. You get more used junk.

My EGR valve from O'Reilly Auto comes with a lifetime warranty, so every time it fails, I bring it in and get a new one. So far it has not thrown any codes what-so-ever.

[regenoldiii]

I don't know what year SC1 you have, but looked like at least a 2001. I checked RockAuto on EGR valves and while most were over $100... they had a Delphi w/gasket for $68.79. Use coupon code F92D1AB60FBE to get 5% off price (or check RetailMeNot.com for other codes) for net price of around $65 + shipping. Not a bad deal for brand new.

By the way, part apparently covers SC1 models from 2000 - 2002.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1113029