Can you clean an EGR valve on a saturn 2001 before having to jump to replacing it? And if so please explain how to clean it?

EGR valve is usually vacuum controlled because of the high temp that is fed through it.

locate your EGR valve. Saturn EGR valves are usually located near the intake manifold and throttle body. carefully remove vacuum hoses from the valve. then unbolt it. Remove the EGR valve and discard the old gasket. the valve has 3 bolts on it, 2 in front and one in the backside. if you can not let it soak for a few hours, then clean with shop towels and cotton swabs to remove built up carbon deposits. replace EGR valve with a new gasket. Good-day!

p0404 is-egr flow ckt range/performance, check egr, remove from vehicle and clean out carbon from valve and where it mounts on engine. also check the wireing connector and wire to valve. if this dosnt work, replace valve,

Is your AC system charged and working? I believe the pcm will not activate the fan unless the AC system is operational.

EGR Valve is on the intake manifold on the right side rear by the shock tower. It's round, has a base similar to a diamond shape, and has a steel tube leading up to it's base area on the back of the rear intake manifold. You can take it off and clean it out with throttle body cleaner, and clean the tube, but I've never seen one plugged. If it's indeed bad then I'd replace it and get a new gasket. If you're not sure how to check it then you should reask and clarify that.

BTW... just because there's a code doesn't mean the valve is broken. Could be an electrical issue. Again, check and clarify please.

Quite easily take off the air breather tube then there is a cone shaped part with a connector on top at the back of the engine right by the accelerator cable 2 10mm bolts hold it on take off the 2 bolts and the valve comes off. If your still not sure you can buy a new EGR valve or if your going to just clean it to save you some money, you can use Carb cleaner which you can get at Auto Zone and they can give you the step by step instruction's free of charge to replacing the EGR valve  on you car with common tools. Good luck 

Spray carb cleaner around #1 intake runner,known to blow gasket there,Replace leaner egr valve.

Hi. This code has come up for two possible reasons. the actual new egr valve has become clogged by the increasing amount of carbon that has built up in the intake manifold. when replacing th egr valve, its a good rule of thumb to use a cleaning solution to cleanse the hole that the egr valve is inserted in. make sure you clean it thoroughly inside as well. This method is good but, it dosen't always work so, the next level of cleaning the intake is to remove it and clean it manually. the next possible issue could be that the wire connectors are worn. this is highly unusual but, it may be the issue here.


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Hi. The EGR valve is a very sensitive issue. Buying a used one will always result in a continuing fault code. I recommend purchasing a new EGR valve. Before you install it, be sure to clean the EGR housing thoroughly. there can be carbon build inside where this valve is inserted. this carbon will trip the code if its not cleaned out properly.


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Take off air breather tube,you should see a cone shaped part, on top and at back of engine right by the gas pedal cable. Remove the 2 10mm bolts, and it should come right off.