how do I know if my egr is bad?

[generation2000]

i need to check it before, I spend money on a new one and a solenoid valve. and to be honest i cant even locate the effin egrc solenoid valve. emmissions is a B*@#$

so can anyone help me on how to check this egr, what do I look for?

and 1 last thing..the dealership wants 500$ to change a 20$ egr tube..anyone have instructions on how to change this thing and where it is loctaed.. i have the fsm on my car but its way to complicated..HELPPPPPPPP..thx guys holla