EGR on '95 Cutlass Supreme Convertible

[dawn04]

My car has the check engine light that goes on and off and now the coolant light goes on and I have checked my coolant (which was fine). I brought it to the shop and they tell me my coolant sensor is bad ($200) and my EGR code is on (Code 77). For a mere $700 they can correct the problem. Does that mean that I need a new valve? I read that sometimes cleaning it does the trip. The mechanic told me that GM messed up with the 3 selnoids and that is what the problem is. That's alot of money to put out. Help!

[DIY Mechanic]

If you mean the coolant level sensor that is GM Part Number 10096163 and is $42.03 retail from the dealer. If you mean the coolant temperature sensor - I would get that from the junk yard, they hardly ever go bad.

I would also get the EGR valve from the junk yard, I have 209000 miles on my original EGR - they do get dirty but again, they rarely go bad.

I would hope you could do it yourself or have someone do it for you.
Sounds like the shop is charging the full rate on you - unless you are in a big city like NY or LA, then that is about normal.

[dawn04]

Thank you. I am not sure which sensor they meant for the temperature. I asked them the code and they told me there wasn't a code, they disconnected the sensor and the temperature coolant light went out. I asked them on the EGR why couldn't it be cleaned because it could be blocked and I was told I didn't understand, it was bad. Yes, I live in upstate NY. Are these two items something my husband could do? How difficult are they? Thanks. Dawn

[DIY Mechanic]

The EGR is a pain to disconnect from the exhaust manifold and one of the three nuts that hold it on has to be removed with a wrench; a socket will not go on it. Beside not dropping the nuts and getting the end loose off the manifold it is easy since it is right on top of the engine by the throttle body.

The dealer can only replace with new parts. It could be bad; one of the solenoids could have failed. Price a new one at the auto parts store, no the dealer.

The coolant sensor is very easy; it is on the passenger side of the radiator.

While you are at the parts store get a Haynes manual #1671. The EGR and the coolant level sensor replacement are in there.

[TexanNGeorgia]

Originally Posted by dawn04

My car has the check engine light that goes on and off and now the coolant light goes on and I have checked my coolant (which was fine). I brought it to the shop and they tell me my coolant sensor is bad ($200) and my EGR code is on (Code 77). For a mere $700 they can correct the problem. Does that mean that I need a new valve? I read that sometimes cleaning it does the trip. The mechanic told me that GM messed up with the 3 selnoids and that is what the problem is. That's alot of money to put out. Help!

You need a new mechanic. I had the EGR on my '94 ragtop replaced last year for just over three hundred bucks. Check around, find a small shop with a lot of cars in the lot. If business is good then he's both reasonable and competent

[dawn04]

thanks for the info. I think it is because I am a female that the price is so high. When I questioned him, it was like I was stupid.

Do you have water coming into the boot on your ragtop? I didn't know the flaps had to be a certain way and once I adjusted them, it cut some of the water but I still get alot coming in. My brother has the same car and doesn't get water. Thanks for your help.

[Master_of_Sparks]

Originally Posted by dawn04

My car has the check engine light that goes on and off and now the coolant light goes on and I have checked my coolant (which was fine). I brought it to the shop and they tell me my coolant sensor is bad ($200) and my EGR code is on (Code 77). For a mere $700 they can correct the problem. Does that mean that I need a new valve? I read that sometimes cleaning it does the trip. The mechanic told me that GM messed up with the 3 selnoids and that is what the problem is. That's alot of money to put out. Help!

Dawn,

I am the novice at 'posting' at Automotive Forums, but not when comes to the many sensors that occupy the engine compartment. This is my first reply, and I will do my best to be of some help to you.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve {EGR}, controls exhaust gases into the intake manifold and mixes with the air/fuel mixture. It's task is to lower the combustion chamber temperatures.

The EGR receives it's vacuum signal from the {EGR Solenoid Valve. I will stop my diagnosis at this point, there are other sensors that work in concert with each other. Could get a tad confusing. Coolant sensors, Speed sensors, Computer mixture control.

If infact, the code 77 {EGR} is the part that the test came up with, the diaphragm in the valve may be ruptured. Any vacuum that reaches the EGR is routed through the EGR Solenoid valve. Digest all of this and get back to me. I will explain in more detail. But know this, that price of $200 in parts ,plus the total of $700. . .may not even remove that annoying 'service engine soon' light. Indicating that some other problem still remains.

MOS