jettech

My check engine light just came on. The code it gave me was 0302 and has to do with the EGR system. I reset the ECU and drove a bit and the light stayed out.

This same exact scenario took place about six months ago.

I'm thinking that there is an intermittent problem and it will do me no good to troubleshoot it if the ECU now says it is ok.

Possibly just a sticking valve?

Anyone else ever get this code and what was the fix?

Is there any common failures in this system that I should focus on?

Thanks in advance

Jettech

poobah

had a similar problem. i was getting all kinds of error codes with the EGR. i replaced it and it would stlil come back. cleared the codes multiple times. my mechanic did some digging and apparently there was a recall on the O2 sensors for my 96se max. they changed it out for free and mine hasnt come back on since. might want to check to see if that recall had been done.

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

jettech - your problem is most likely clogged EGR passages. There is an EGR port on the rear of the plenum - that is likely clogged. The EGR guide tube that runs from the EGR valve to this port is also prone to clogging. The fix is to pull the plenum off the car and scrape all the carbon deposits out of that port on the plenum and clean out the EGR guide tube. The cost is virtually nothing - other than replacing any gaskets you break the seals on (throttle body, idle air control valve and plenum gasket, EGR tube gaskets) (total 20 bucks for them all).

Cleaning out the tube and port will most likely fix your problem.

jettech

Good advice, i'll figure out where the tube is that you're talking about and give it a cleaning. I had a problem like that on a ford ranger and all it tok was to clean the valve....60,000 miles later, $0 spent, good as gold...thanks!

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

Picture of guide tube:


Picture of clogged plenum port:


Picture of cleaned plenum port:

97MaximaSE

ive cleaned the port and replaced the soldenoid twice and still cant get rid of that code

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

Unfortunately there are a bunch of different EGR system components that can set the code. The clogged passages is the most likely, but you could also have a bad soleniod (which you've tired replacing), a stuck EGR valve, bad EGR-BPT valve, bad vacuum line to one of the valves, bad EGR temp/flow sensor.

You may want to spend the 80 bucks to have it properly diagnosed at this point, and then just do the work yourself.

poobah

if you do the diagnostic and changed out the egr valve and egr bpt like i did. might still want to check on that recall. i replaced all those and the light still came back after a few hundred miles. took it in for the recall and it hasn't been back on since and it's been a few 1000 miles now. sides if it's free and there was a recall on it why not change it. =)

lsatch64

What did you use to clean the throttle body out with? I am getting the same code, 32.
It seems to start when cool, but then when it gets hot it takes a few turns to get it to start and then that code will come up. Thanks Lance