91 Astro Van with Code 32

[The Gare]

I did a search and cannot find a list of codes for OBD I. The van actaully runs great, but the SEC light came on and the code it gives is 32. Teh van sat in my driveway for almost 2 years. I started it every once in a while. But now I am driving it again. Can anybody tell me what a code 32 is?

Thanks!

[brcidd]

That's an EGR valve code--seen it many times and most likely the EGR valve is being held open by a chunk of carbon- there are several ways to correct this- you can remove yours- and clean it out-- or you can find someone with a TECH I scanner and excerise the valve while reving engine- to blow out the chunk- or you can hope the chunk blows out on its own-- in the meantime engine will probably idle rough- be much harder to start- until valve seat itself properly- there is also an item called a "klean screen" sold at parts stores or on-line that should eliminate the carbon chunks problem.

I have seen some folks actually spend the bucks and replace the EGR- I always comment- well the new valve is clean- did you try to clean the old one? it solved their problem- but cleaning the old on would have as well-- some folks have more money than brains.

[Blue Bowtie]

Cleaning the EGR valve and inspecting the base gasket is a good idea. However, the EGR valve itself may not be the cause. Make sure the EGR solenoid is not supplying vacuum to the EGR valve until it is powered by the ECM. Unplug the EGR solenoid electrical connector, start the engine, and check for vacuum at the EGR valve hose - There should be none. Plug in the EGR solenoid electrical connector and idle the engine, There should still be no vacuum.

On the speed/density systems like your's, the EGR diagnosis is based upon a MAP signal change. If there is a medium vacuum leak, the "32" can be generated even if the EGR valve is functioning perfectly. A large vacuum leak will usually result in a "34" error instead. A medium leak can be caused by a failing brake booster, damaged vacuum line to the booster, EGR valve leakage, manifold or TB leaks, or other hose/gasket leaks.

In one case I experienced, an incorrectly applied PCV valve caused the leak. The aftermarket PCV was replaced with a correct OEM AC/ Delco valve, and the problem was solved. The other symptom observed in this case was a higher than normal idle and low IAC counts, since the extra idle air was already being leaked in by the poorly calibrated PCV. The IAC had no counts since the ECM was trying to lower the idle RPM unsuccessfully. PCV valves are calibrated for flow, specific to an engine, and are not generic.