EGR Valve

[wes.taylor]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Montanna and the Service Engine Soon light is on. The OBDII Code reads P1404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Closed Position Performance. Does this mean I need to replace the EGR valve, or is this an indicator that there is something else wrong?

[1Bradymichael]

I have a 2000 Montana that tripped the same code.I cleared it and it has not come back.It is a emission code,and unusual according to another poster that suggested I try clearing it and see what happens.That was several weeks ago and it has not come back.

[wes.taylor]

Thanks 1Bradymichael, I have reset the code and it keeps coming back every time. I had one person tell me it could be the vaccum hose. It runs from the EGR Valve to behind the engine somewhere. If I pull it off of the EGR Valve, I can blow through it and hear air. I can also blow through it with the engine running. Is that normal?

[1Bradymichael]

Originally Posted by wes.taylor

Thanks 1Bradymichael, I have reset the code and it keeps coming back every time. I had one person tell me it could be the vaccum hose. It runs from the EGR Valve to behind the engine somewhere. If I pull it off of the EGR Valve, I can blow through it and hear air. I can also blow through it with the engine running. Is that normal?

With the engine running there should be a vaccum in the hose.Put your finger over the end of the hose while running,you should feel a vaccum.
I was not aware the EGR had a vaccum hose.........I thought they were electrical only,but then I never looked that close at mine.I know the older cars and trucks were vaccum operated.

[Capri22SS]

There is no vacume lines on the EGR valve. The connection is electrical, a 4 pin plug. Are you sure looking at the EGR valve?

[wes.taylor]

My nephew, who is more knowledgeable than me, pointed it out to me and told me it was. Since you told me this, I have researched, and I was looking at the wrong part. Thanks. Back to the drawing board.

[MarkNYC]

From another post

The ''Service Engine Soon'' light came on for a couple of days on my 2001 Pontiac Montana. The vehicle was running fine. I brought it to the dealer and the code was cleared. Here is what dealer wrote on work order:

"Found Code 1404 EGR stored. Checked and found updated program for PCM. Reprogrammed and re-checked for codes."

I was charged 1 hour labor at $ 93.45. Ligt is now off. Does this diagnosis/fix sound right to you?

Thanks,
Mark

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by MarkNYC

I was charged 1 hour labor at $ 93.45. Ligt is now off. Does this diagnosis/fix sound right to you?

Thanks,
Mark

Was it straight labor at $93.45,or were any parts involved? In Central NY where I live, the dealers are charging $60-$65/hr for labor, and the smaller shops around $50/hr. I guess they charge more being in NYC. DO other dealers in your area charge that much? I'd call around and get an estimate for what was done and compare.

[wes.taylor]

I took mine to the GM dealer, and the EGR valve was replaced and the light is now off, and my Montanna is running better than it has in a while. Total cost with parts and labor, $189.26

['97ventureowner]

That sounds reasonable for A GM dealer. I was quoted anywheres from $96 to $153 for the part from Autozone. The AC Delco EGR from there was $106, (but of course it wasn't in stock and they couldn't get one, wouldn't give me reason why also.) Add an hour labor and tax to the price of the part, (if it was close to Autozone's price,) and it comes close to what you paid. How much did they charge for the EGR from the dealer if you don't mind me asking? And were any other parts required to do the job?