p1404 code/hard tranny shift/occasional rough start

Okay, I had read on a previous post that my hard shifts may be coming from a Gas Recirculation problem with those troublesome EGR valves. I(FINALLY) hooked a scanner up to my car and it pulled the P1404 code in EGR valve #2.

What is the best way to go about correcting this issue, and where is the best place to start?(hoping not one of those pricey parts swapper mechanics, which are the only ones that seem to exist around here...) And, can this be done by an amature mechanic(DIY guy) without any specialty tools? And can any help be given in some detail?

Any help would be appriciated!! All of the moderators for these pages deserve some credit for devoting so much time to the broke/needy!!!!

You didnt say what year but ....
You probly have carbon build up inside the EGR pipe and the pintal is stuck.

You can use TB cleaner and try and dig out the big chunks if thier are any.
Thiers a test procedure for the 99+ EGR in the Tips and Maintenance (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=2148).
Here is the EGR procedure.
EGR Valve on 99+ Grand AM Testing-Replacing (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=660904)

Hope that helps.