2001 Chevy Venture EGR Valve Replaced


Replacing The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve - December 10, 2009
Mileage - 93215 Miles

After getting multiple "Service Engine Soon" lights that indicated a P1404 Diagnostic Test Code (DTC), and with a smog test coming up, I decided to have this code looked into.  Since I don't have the tools to properly perform this operation, I had it done at a local shop. 

The mechanic said that they used their computer to command the EGR valve to open to various positions, and they did not notice the "engine stumble" that is normally noticed when this is done.  The conclusion was that the valve was bad and needed to be replaced.  That was done, and all seemed good.  But ...

Upon driving the van the following evening, the P1404 code came back a couple of times.  I cleared the code with my handy code reader the first time, but it came back after starting the engine in a parking lot a couple of hours later.  This seemed strange because the description of the test running and failing says that the van has to be "driven" to run this test. 

Anyway, I went back to the shop the next morning and talked with the mechanic about the situation.  He connected the diagnostic computer to the van and tried to command the EGR to open, and this time we could "feel" the stumble of the engine when the valve was told to open.  So the new valve is working just fine, but there could be an issue with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).  This is the "computer" that controls everything related to the engine and emissions systems.  It seems there is a technical bulletin that is mentioned related to the particular error code, and that the PCM may have to be "updated", or have its calibration routine changed. 

So that is where I am at right now.  We cleared the codes and I will drive the van for a while to see what happens. I may have to go to a GM dealer (yuk) and have them update the PCM to get this thing to pass my next SMOG test.  I will update this page when I find out.  Thanks for "listening" to my story.
 

Parts Description / Number

Qty

 Price

Total

Replacement EGR Valve

1

 $124.85

$124.85

Total Parts

 

 

$124.85

Labor Description

 

 

Total

Replace EGR Valve

 

 

 $144.00

Hazardous Material Disposal

 

  

 $2.00

Total Labor

 

 

$146.00

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