Check Engine Light/EGR Valve Problem?

[ksegars]

It's terrible, I know, but my check engine light has been on for several months. I had my friend, a compressor rebuilder, plug up his super-fancy scanner to the computer. Said insufficient flow to EGR. So he took it off, thinking it was probably clogged with carbon, and cleaned it out. After reinstalling, he reset the computer. Light was off for a few hours, but came back again. I left it alone.
2 weeks ago, had a complete tune-up done. Talked to the mechanic about the check engine light, and he said it would probably go away after the tune-up. Lo and behold, it did. Again, a few hours later it came back on. He suggested that it still might not be the EGR valve itself but the EGR solenoid (vacuum regulator valve) which needed replacing. I was happy to hear it, since that part is not dealer-only, and I can get a new Delco one for a little less than $20.00.
I've read a few posts regarding the EGR valve problem, and most suggest that it doesn't need replacing, but a good cleaning. Since I've already done this, I was wondering if anyone had further problems after cleaning as I have had. Even as an auto parts seller, my price for the part is $180-ish. I'd hate to replace it only to find out it's something completely different. I just don't know where to go from here.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
~karen

[ksegars]

forgot to mention I have a 98 Trooper.

[amigo-2k]

check out the FAQ's for a how too.

you also need to clean the EGR tube too.

[ksegars]

Thanks for the info. I'll try it out and let you know if that does it.

thanks again!

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by ksegars

He suggested that it still might not be the EGR valve itself but the EGR solenoid (vacuum regulator valve) which needed replacing. I was happy to hear it, since that part is not dealer-only, and I can get a new Delco one for a little less than $20.00.

If you have a 1998, you dont have a vacuum regulator valve for the EGR. The 1998+ have an all electronic 'feedback' EGR system where the EGR valve itself acts as a 'sensor'. Your EGR feed tube that goes into the common chamber is probably plugged with carbon. Super common & easy to clean.

Joel