My car has about 220K miles and when I took it in for a smog test it failed the emissions test. The guy at the shop told me that the EGR valve is clogged and that it would be really easy for me to clean myself as long as I feel suction and that once I cleaned it that it would surely pass the test. Well today I checked to see if there was suction and there was, I cleaned the filter and ran some motor treatment through the system but I'm still not sure how to clean the valve out. He said all I need to do is stick a clothes hanger in there and clean it out. However, he was in a hurry as the shop was pretty busy and I was wondering if anyone had any better examples of exactly where and what to do, I'm a visual learner so any photo instructions or videos would also be greatly appreciated


thank you

 

Try these:

replace PCV
clean EGR modulater filter

 

Those tutorials can't hurt, but will not help you clean out your EGR valve.

The EGR valve is shown in one of the photos there. If you remove it (the EGR valve, not the filter, not the PCV valve), you may see carbon buildup in some of the passages leading into the valve, or within the valve itself. Your goal is to get rid of the carbon buildup so the exhaust gases (the EG in EGR) can flow freely and the solenoid valve can move freely. It really should be pretty clear to you once you see it. Use a screwdriver, drillbit (in your hand, not in a drill), coathanger, whatever to knock/scrape off whatever you can. If you have a compressor, blow air through there. Use carb cleaner or brake cleaner to help dissolve. Toothbrush (an old one) to brush clean. Can let the carb/brake cleaner soak for a while if you want.

If you know the right polarity, you can try connecting battery voltage to the valve to see if it clicks and moves freely. But mostly this is about cleaning out the obvious carbon buildup.

 

See attached pdf on how to remove and test the egr valve.