New to the forums with some EGR valve/system questions.

[josegonz]

Joined today. I currently drive a 99' Q with about 74+K. Lots of city driving with an ocassional freeway visit with 80-90 MPH bursts. Using premium (93) gas 99.5% of the time. About two weeks ago the MIL came on . Had a first scan showing a P0400x code (EGR Valve). Had it reset and it was back on in less than a week with the same code. After reading several posts on similar EGR valve situations, and with my apologies before hand, I have a few questions:

1.- Is it common for this issue to show up with the relatively low milage?

2.- Before replacing anything, will cleaning the EGR valve, tubes, components, etc. help?

3.- Is this (#2) hard or complicated, requires special tools?

Thanks for your attention and reply..

[maxnix]

Welcome to NICO.

At this mileage, cleaning the intake plenum, IAC, TB and EGR valve is necessary. Have all gaskets on hand. A dremel tool will help with the EGR tube inside the plenum. Most posts on this job are in IOM.

[AlabamaDan]

I did all that stuff Brian mentioned and and my Q runs much better. The little tube connecting the EGR to the plenum was completely clogged and so stopped up that it was hard as a rock. I bent a screwdriver and clawed that stuff out. Using a straw taped to my shop vac was useful.

[josegonz]

Thanks for your interest & advice. Was the MIL out after following Brians recommendation?

[josegonz]

Brian, Thanks for your reply & advice. Will proceed to the IOM for more information on the task at hand.

[AlabamaDan]

What MIL?

I did have a check engine light off and on before doing all this stuff.

[T45]

Just take the Q, park it somewhere in Loiza, and all of your problems will suddenly disappear!!!

Welcome!

[josegonz]

Thanks for your kind advice. I am afraid of doing that (parking in Loiza) because the car may dissapear as well!! Just kidding! Thanks any way...

[josegonz]

Kind of misleading in this car. The light that is on is the "check engine soon" which could be interpreted as a regular maintenance item....

[josegonz]

Brian,

Had a chance to look into the IOM for detailed information and found at least one or two well documented posts (lots of pics, part numbers required etc) adressing EGR valve & tubes cleaning etc. However, these posts were for earlier models (92-94) of the Q and I had a hard time relating these with my particular car (99). I'd appreciate if you can point me to a post or link in the forums (DIY type) were model year (Y-33, 97-01)specific information can be found. Thanks again for your attention & help.

[maxnix]

Hmmm....I think you will have to read the stumble posts on this forum and the coilpack and knock sensor posts on the other. I don't think there is a tutorial per se, but it is traightforward. Might try searching on EGR tube because that is a killer if it is not disconntected from the exhaust side first, it then has to be bent on top.

[josegonz]

I meant the Service Engine Soon light.........