Code 71

[Drewet88]

I pulled the codes out of my 91 Tercel and got a Code 71.
From what I understand thats a bad EGR?

Is there a way I can fix it or do I have to replace the valve because money is tight.

Thanks

[rhynes]

At times they get clogged up and sticky. You can pull it off and clean it out. There's a diaphram that will open and close, and there should be slots around it that you can get a finger into. Push the diaphram up and down and see how freely it moves.

I use wd40 to clean it, don't know if that's the right thing to use but it works. You'll probably need a new a new gasket.

[Drewet88]

Thanks. I'm going to pull it out on my next off day and see if it just needs to be cleaned.

If I do pull it and clean it is there a way to check and see if it is working without putting it back into the car and driving around?

I'd hate to do all of that and find out afterwards that it is just bad and needs to be changed.

[rhynes]

Check the EGR control valve by pushing up on the diaphragm from underneath while the engine is running. It should make the engine run rough indicating it's working.

[Drewet88]

O. I get it and if it don't the EGR valve is bad and I should clean/changed it.

[gator2764]

Originally Posted by Drewet88

O. I get it and if it don't the EGR valve is bad and I should clean/changed it.

If you take the two nuts and vacume line loose and remove the EGR valve and the car still runs fine you have carbon built up in the intake. If you look closely you will see to holes in the intake that go to the EGR. Make sure those are cleaned out. You might have to take a small screw driver and pick the carbon out, use some carb cleaner as you do this. When you take the EGR off clean it out with carb cleaner and some Q-tips. Make sure to clean the small pipe out(attached with a small screw,the pipe is about an 8th of an inch big and about 2 inches long). If the EGR has alot of carbon you will have to clean it a few times. Try not to spray any carb cleaner in the diaghram as it will ruin the rubber(I was told this from the parts man at toyota). If I remember right you shouldn't have any problem not getting any on the rubber.
Just make sure everything is cleaned good and this should clear up your problem. The EGR valve cost around $160.00 if I remember correctly. Cheaper to clean it!!! I did mine about 35K mile ago and haven't had a problem since. Good luck!