engine light stays on

[mamajr]

My engine light stays on, on my 1999 Bonneville. I've had a valve replaced, new plugs, wires and all new filters. It also losses power and it seems like when I press on the gas it doesn't want to go. Between 40-45 mph it starts jerking and when it gets up to 50 or so it does ok till I start going up a hill and it starts losing power. Seems like it runs better when its cold outside than when it starts getting warm weather. Don't know what it could be. Can anyone help????

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, what valve? And what is the code in the pcm, 2 very important issues not made clear?

[mamajr]

I'm sorry but I'm really dumb about this stuff. I think it was an NGR valve, is there such a thing? I haven't had it hooked up to the computer yet. Lost my job and really don't have the money right now, they say its expensive. I'm hoping to do that soon.

[HotZ28]

There is no such thing as an "NGR" valve, but there is an "EGR" (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. You can take the car to any National auto parts store and have the DTC's (codes) checked for free. This sounds like secondary ignition misfire to me i.e coils, wires or plugs. Let us know what codes you discover and we can make a better judgment.

[mamajr]

I'm sorry. I know it was the EGR valve. I wonder if its not that again. Seems like at times the gas isn't getting thru when I step on the gas. We don't have a National Auto Parts. I have taken it to Auto Zone and had it hooked up and it showed the plugs and wires and had them replaced. I guess I will take it someplace and have it hooked up to a computer and see what it shows. Does anyone know what it cost to replace a EGR valve? Thanks

[ricebike]

the autozone counterperson should have given you the specific P-#### code

it can just be the EGR valve circuit... like a broken vaccuum hose to it (oops, your's isn't vacuum operated)

or if it's electronically controlled, just confirmed that it is, via autozone's online parts site...

maybe a broken wire in the circuit or connector

if you have that code, and cant trace the wiring to make sure there's no broken wires... then take that info to your mechanic to concentrate his diagnosis there

-------------------

ps: did they reset the code and see if the same exact code returns? doesn't hurt to confirm

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by mamajr

We don't have a National Auto Parts. I have taken it to Auto Zone and had it hooked up and it showed the plugs and wires and had them replaced. I guess I will take it someplace and have it hooked up to a computer and see what it shows. Does anyone know what it cost to replace a EGR valve? Thanks

When I made reference to a "National" auto parts store, that would include AZ, Kragen, Shucks, O'Reily, Advanced, Car Quest, NAPA, or any other "big box" store with multiple locations in various states. A new EGR cost about 150-bucks or more depending on where you buy it. Have you tried cleaning the existing EGR pintel & seat with carb cleaner & brass brush, then lubricating with PB-Blaster?

[mamajr]

I stopped at Auto Zone and have a list of possibles. Cylinder misfire detected. Says ignition system fault, spark plugs, I had them all replaced, wires, those were replaced also, coil? Vacum leak, had one fixed don't know if theres more,injector fault, high or low fuel pressure.
Also catalytic converter defective, hope that isn't it, I know those are expensive, also mentions a large vacum leak again, engine oil leaking into exhaust-valve guide seals, pistons,rings. Non of these sound good except maybe a vucum leak, I will have to have that checked out first.
Thanks

[eatngas_haulnazz]

i am having the same problem, only thing is i cant find the egr on my firebird. It has the 3.8.

[eatngas_haulnazz]

It sounds like you and i have the same problem. The coils are 24.99 each at auto zone and there are three of them and they are relatively easy to change just make sure not to mix your wires up and the plugs are fairly easy to change. And for those who are helping out.....the codes are as follows....P0404, P0405, P0442, P0446, P1404, AND P0300. Hope this helps out, the plugs wires and coils helped out a lot but it is still not in great shape.

[mamajr]

I've had the wires and plugs changed. When I can get to my mechanic I will have to see what they say again. I'm going to have them check and see if there is a vacume leak too. Hopefully something will help. Its been a good car but this is driving me crazy.
Thanks

[mamajr]

finally got my car fixed. I had to have a coil replaced, which took care of the engine light being on all the time and also had to have the catalitic converter replaced. I'm sure that isn't spelled right, but that took care of the sluggishness and now it drives very good and very good pick up.
Thanks
Cindy