EGR Valve - Clean or Replace...?

[bnisbet]

Hi all -

I have a 99 Camry LE - check engine light on for periods of time, then off (cycles on and off for days/weeks).

Computer diagnosis has revealed an EGR code. I've read enough to be dangerous - I'm considering replacing myself. I've also read that one could "clean" out some of the [carbon?] that accumulates on the valve (thus causing the error code, I presume).

I've also been told that if I don't repair this - my car will not pass inspection (due July) here in Mass - as part of the inpection is to test emmissions with computer link up and check for any fault codes, etc. I was told that even if my light is not on at the time of inspection - the test would still fail because it would show a failure code within the past year.

SO - my actual question is: how does that code get wiped "clean"??? That is - if I (or my mechanic) replace the EGR valve today - and that solves my problem - the failure code from these past months will still show up come July during inspection. So how is my car "cleared" to pass inspection? What if my light doesn't come on again? (it can go for months without coming on, then kicks on for a few days...)

I was either told false information, or I'm missing something....

Can somebody provide some insight as to how the car is "reset" to show no failure and pass inspection...?

Thanks!
Brad in MA

[Mike Gerber]

The code is reset with a code reader that will also clear the code. Autozone may do this for free for you, if you have them in your area. You can clear the code from the computer's memory yourself by disconnecting the battery and leaving it disconnected for about 1/2 hour. However, disconnecting the battery will also clear your radio's preset stations, so if you do it this way, you should right down the radio station presets first, so you can re-enter them later.

I would definitely try to clean the EGR valve yourself first, along with the tube connecting to the EGR valve. They both have a tendancy to get carboned up and throw codes. This is something you can do for free. If the code comes back, then you can replace the EGR valve.

Good luck.

Mike

[Brian R.]

Once the bad part is replaced, the code reader machine will be able to delete the stored codes. Then you can see if the light comes back on immediately, or after a day or two, depending on the code.

Normally, the car won't be allowed to pass inspection if you haven't given the code a reasonable amount of time to reappear, like a couple of days. If they find the codes wiped just before you have your car tested, they'll probably tell you to come back in a couple days or whatever the law is in MA.

July is more than enough time to show any codes that would fail your car.