P0404 - New EGR or Junk Yard EGR Replacement?

[NewLeSabreOwner]

So I was driving home tonight and she acted just a tad weirder than usual and the service engine soon light came on. My scanner came back with the P0404 code. My assumption is that from that code it's the EGR valve that needs to get replaced. ( If anyone has any other thoughts or plans of narrowing it down, please let me know! ) So should I go for a new one from any source that I am looking up that is either like $175 from a auto parts store which some have OEM or just go pull one from my local junkyard for $30 and get a new gasket for it? I looked at some aftermarket ones from various sources but they have some iffy reviews to say the least. ( Or if anyone knows a good one to recommend, please let me know! ) Or try a clean on it first? Or could this be from using some chevron techron additive in the last tank I filled up?

Thank you all! I appreciate all the help I get here.

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I like to break these types of problems into three possible areas that could be the problem. 1.) The EGR stepper motor & EGR position feedback potentiometer. 2.) The wiring 3.) The PCM pulse-stepper outputs (for the EGR stepper motor) and the analog input (for the position feedback). The EGR sub-assembly is the most likely suspect but it's not with absolute certitude. It's of course a judgement call but (for $145 less) I would opt-for a used one to verify the problem is in the EGR sub-assembly. If it's confirmed it is in the EGR sub-assembly, I would likely purchase a second (used one) to use for a future spare (or try cleaning & testing the original as you suggested). In the rare occurrence that the problem is not in the EGR itself, then you have freed up funds to move your focus to outside the EGR.

Another member's philosophy could easily be to purchase the new one for $175. It truly is a judgement call.

 

[02LTD2.0]

I agree with @RD_Atlanta....go with the junkyard EGR for $30.

 

[02LTD2.0]

....and if you decide to change the MAF sensor make sure you get a HITACHI.

 

[02LTD2.0]

How many miles?

 

[NewLeSabreOwner]

....and if you decide to change the MAF sensor make sure you get a HITACHI.

It's funny you bring that up, about 2 weeks ago she went nuts on me, bad MAF as once I unplugged it she acted way better and I did replace the MAF and with a Hitachi one, she's been pretty good since until now with this code popping up

How many miles?

137k

 

[Buick City Bert]

The EGR on the 3.8 is very easy to replace.
Good thing, because if you buy an after market one you may do it annually.

My 1997 Lesabre was at commuter car status and I got the code, with car bucking and spitting at idle (valve stuck open), bought a Standard Ignition Products replacement (made in China) EGR at Advance Auto with a lifetime warranty, came with a gasket. Was not cheap, like $185.00 back in 2014 when the money was better. 2 bolts and an electrical connector right up top under the hood. A year later and I am here in Maine coming home after 2nd shift in February, about 10° F outside, and as I roll into an intersection it starts bucking and spitting and the check engine light comes on, you guessed it, EGR stuck open, had the receipt, got the replacement, 2 bolts and a connector all set. For another year, then it was always around 0° that the new one would stick and that was it all done and ready for another warranty job. Changed 4 EGRs, got really quick at it before the last one (maybe because I went on 1st shift?) seemed to hold up.

 

[RD_Atlanta]

This is good to know, thank you.

 

[NewLeSabreOwner]

I was on the way to the Junk Yard today to get it and stopped for a breakfast. After turning the car back on the service engine soon light was off and she's running normal again. I think she got sacred of knowing where she was on her way to! It started to rain some as well, so I will still go get the EGR tomorrow, but now am thinking not to touch anything until she acts up again. ( if she does )

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I was on the way to the Junk Yard today to get it and stopped for a breakfast. After turning the car back on the service engine soon light was off and she's running normal again. I think she got sacred of knowing where she was on her way to! It started to rain some as well, so I will still go get the EGR tomorrow, but now am thinking not to touch anything until she acts up again. ( if she does )

That's funny the way you worded that. My wife often tells me that you men always refer to your machine's as 'she'.

 

[lilpoindexter]

The piece of junk standard parts egr valve failed within 4000 miles on my car, then i bought a delco one from amazon, and it failed too. I finally bought one from autozone with a lifetime warranty, so at least im covered when it fails again...but come to think of it...the autozone piece has lasted the longest of any egr valve