My CEL has been on for about 4 weeks. I finally got it diagnosed and the code it threw was an EGR Valve (code 400). The car runs fine other than a nasty burning smell coming from god knows where. I just bought a house and am VERY short on cash, will I damage the car if I let this problem go for another long while or should I suck it up and get it fixed?

 

More than likely not. I've been driving around with that code for almost 6 months. I am finally getting it taken care of because it is causing my Knock Sensor code to light up. I hate my ECU being in safe mode and am willing to shell out the bucks to get it fixed. From what I remember, you can always take off the EGR valve and give a good cleaning and that sometimes fixes the problem.. There is a write up if you search.

 

this egr code is usually caused by a clog in the plenum port and/or
clog in the egr pipe where it bolts to the plenum port. Not too bad
a problem , unless there is an emissions inspection in your near future.
As for the burning smell - stick your nose in there and try to locate
the source. Burning smells are bad in your car ---or house!