how to clean EGR

[waterkeeper03]

car has been idling rough when cold and yesterday the CEL came on, had it scanned and it was the EGR. is there a way to clean it or do you just straight up replace these at $73.?

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by waterkeeper03

car has been idling rough when cold and yesterday the CEL came on, had it scanned and it was the EGR. is there a way to clean it or do you just straight up replace these at $73.?

Go to youtube and type " how to clean EGR valve " into the search function . There will be many example videos on how to do this . Watch a few of them and you'll get the idea of what you need to do and what tools and supplies you will need . If you have the mechanical ability to do what is shown in the videos , then do it . If not sure of your abilities to do this particular job , maybe a more experienced friend would be willing to help . Good luck !

[Tech II]

Would help to know the year, engine size and the exact code.....

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by waterkeeper03

car has been idling rough when cold and yesterday the CEL came on, had it scanned and it was the EGR. is there a way to clean it or do you just straight up replace these at $73.?

the EGR if over 100 K mi should be replaced not cleaned. with the engines used today these should not be dirty. they wear out.

[waterkeeper03]

sorry, i thought i had a signature line on this site for some reason.

2004 impala 3.4 with 120k
don't know the exact code. had autozone pull it. he said it threw the same code twice and it was the EGR.

i know what it is and where it is, i'm just not sure it if it is actually effective to clean it.

[waterkeeper03]

So I decided just to replace the unit and the car is still running a little ruff. not as bad when the engine is cold, the idle is smoother but it'snot back to normal...

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by waterkeeper03

So I decided just to replace the unit and the car is still running a little ruff. not as bad when the engine is cold, the idle is smoother but it'snot back to normal...

have the codes checked again. you could have dirty injector[s] or ignition coil issues.


get some techron injector cleaner

[waterkeeper03]

yup, it was throwing a new code, misfire on #6 cylinder.

i got new plugs and wires.

do we know which cylinder is #6 ?

i want to swap that one first.

[Tech II]

The top of the coils are numbered(1/4, 2/5, 3/6)....just follow the wire(wires are numbered, unless already replaced) to the cylinder......front cylinders, facing the engine, are 2-4-6......the back ones looking from the front of the engine are 1-3-5.....

[waterkeeper03]

Originally Posted by Tech II

The top of the coils are numbered(1/4, 2/5, 3/6)....just follow the wire(wires are numbered, unless already replaced) to the cylinder......front cylinders, facing the engine, are 2-4-6......the back ones looking from the front of the engine are 1-3-5.....

yes they are numbered. thank you so much. WOW, does that mean these are the original wires. just broke 130k on the car with the original wires.

[waterkeeper03]

Replaced the #6 plug and wire and it ran like a top. finished up the front bank and will do the back 3 when I get home tonight.

just wanted to say thanks to you guys for sharing your expertise. Your help saves a lot of us money, head ache, heartache and from getting ripped off. I appreciate it and that's why i try to pitch in when I can too.

Thanks for the great community!