Egr problems

[keith313]

My CEL came on and i got the code that said EGR flow insufficient.

So heres what I've done so far:first I took off the Egr valve and cleaned it using carb cleaner, a tooth brush, and a precision screwdriver. Thing was really dirty.After I put it back on I tested it with a piece of hose(I took the inside cables out of a broken network cable and used the outside casing, it fit right on to the egr valve) about 2 feet long and created a vacuum when it was idling. It ran really rough so the valve was opening OK. And when i took the vacuum off it went back to normal so it seemed to be at least closing OK as well.

After about 50 miles The CEL came back on again so I replaced The DPFE sensor, and thats were Im at right now. Ill update when either the CEL comes back on or doesnt after 100 miles or so.

I found it really easy to take the DPFE sensor and EGR valve off if you remove the vacuum solenoid and the idle air controller, that way your not bashing the idle air controller witha crescent wrench when taking the EGR off, and also you can pull straight up on the DPFE(I have one of the plastic types)to get it out.

[keith313]

The DPFE sensor seems to have been the problem! Good thing i didnt just listen to the guy at autozone or i would've wasted 70$ on a new egr valve.

The replacement part was slightly different, had an additional little plastic piece, what i guess to be some kind of pressure relief valve on it.
Well anyways my car is running much better, the idle was a bit rough, and my gas mileage has improved slightly as well.