EGR Valve needs cleaning or replacing

In a word with only one syllable; No.

Betty, Check the attached EGR links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve EGR Checking
Faulty EGR Valve Symptoms and EGR Valve Cleaning
EGR Valve Replacement Chevy Venture 3 4L Engine
Installing New EGR Valve

Are you sure you have EGR flow?? Hold the EGR valve open the engine should run poorly, if not you have no flow.

Is the EGR valve dirty or are the EGR ports clogged? EGR valve failures are EXTREMELY RARE (although the parts retailers sell MILLIONS of them to people who nothing about EGR systems, but are trying to fix EGR codes).
Depending on which engine your RAV4 is equipped with, the intake plenum may have to be removed or partially disassembled to clean the ports out.
As for the valve itself, you can use a little carb cleaner and an old tooth brush to clean the pintle area if it is caked with carbon deposits. If the pintle lifts when vacuum is applied to the valve and the valve holds vacuum, there is no need to replace the valve. This can be tested with a hand-powered vacuum pump with a gauge like a "MightyVac". (see picture)

CLEANING THE VALVE WILL NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE REPLACED.

Usually the EGR valve problems show the fault code P0400 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction

What does that mean?
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is vacuum controlled valve that regulates the amount of exhaust gases that re-enter the cylinders. The powertrain control module (PCM) determines how much based on engine load, temp, and other conditions. If the PCM detects that the amount of exhaust gases entering the cylinder were insufficient or non-existent, this code is set.


Symptoms
No symptoms will likely be noticed by the driver other than the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). However, non visible symptoms will be increased combustion temperature and increased Nox emissions.


Causes
A code P0400 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* Plugged EGR passage which restricts the flow of exhaust gasses
* Faulty EGR solenoid
* Faulty EGR solenoid wiring/harness
* Vacuum lines damaged/disconnected to the EGR valve solenoid or to the EGR valve
* Faulty EGR valve


Possible Solutions
Since EGR valve designs are different, no one test will suffice:
* Using a scan tool, operate the EGR valve with the engine running. If the engine stumbles, the problem was likely intermittent wiring problem or intermittent blockage problem
* If engine doesn't stumble, operate the EGR valve manually, if possible. If engine doesn't stumble and die, the ports are likely plugged. Removal of valve and cleaning of all ports will be required
* Checking of solenoid can only usually be done with a scan tool, because most solenoids operate with a duty cycle of voltage, rather than constant voltage
* Check all vacuum lines, hoses, etc for any damage
* Visually inspect the solenoid harness and the solenoid for damage
* Replace EGR valve


FOr price about this part, check this links:
- cpwstore.carpartswholesale
- autopartswarehouse

Hope this helped (remember comment and rated this).

EGR Valve Testing

1. Install a tachometer on the engine, following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Detach the engine wiring harness connector from the Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid.
3. Disconnect and plug the vacuum supply hose from the EGR valve.
4. Start the engine, then apply the parking brake, block the rear wheels and position the transmission in Neutral.
5. Observe and note the idle speed.
   

If the engine will not idle with the IAC solenoid disconnected, provide an air bypass to the engine by slightly opening the throttle plate or by creating an intake vacuum leak. Do not allow the idle speed to exceed typical idle rpm.
Using a hand-held vacuum pump, slowly apply 5-10 in. Hg (17-34 kPa) of vacuum to the EGR valve nipple.

1. If the idle speed drops more than 100 rpm with the vacuum applied and returns to normal after the vacuum is removed, the EGR valve is OK.
2. If the idle speed does not drop more than 100 rpm with the vacuum applied and return to normal after the vacuum is removed, inspect the EGR valve for a blockage; clean it if a blockage is found. Replace the EGR valve if no blockage is found, or if cleaning the valve does not remedy the malfunction.

EGR Valve Removal & Install
3.0L OHV (2 valve) and 3.4L SHO engines



Fig. : EGR mounting-3.0L OHV (2 valve) engine



Fig. : EGR mounting-3.4L (SHO) engine



Fig. : Remove the two retaining bolts and...



Fig.: ... remove the valve from the intake manifold



Fig.: Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the manifold and the EGR valve (if being reused)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the vacuum hose from the EGR valve.
3. Using a 22mm wrench or crowfoot, disconnect the EGR valve-to-exhaust manifold tube from the EGR valve.
4. Remove the EGR valve mounting fasteners, then separate the valve from the intake manifold.
5. Remove and discard the old EGR valve gasket, and clean the gasket mating surfaces on the valve and the intake manifold.
   

To install:

1. Install the EGR valve, along with a new gasket, on the upper intake manifold, then install and tighten the mounting bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).
2. Connect the EGR valve-to-exhaust manifold tube to the valve, then tighten the tube nut to 26-47 ft. lbs. (35-65 Nm).
3. Connect the vacuum hose to the EGR valve.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.

3.0L OHC (4 valve)



Fig. : EGR mounting-3.0L OHC (4 valve) engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the vacuum hose from the EGR valve.
3. Remove the two EGR tube-to-EGR valve retaining nuts.
4. Remove the EGR valve mounting fasteners, then separate the valve from the intake manifold.
5. Remove and discard the old EGR valve gasket, and clean the gasket mating surfaces on the valve and the intake manifold.
   

To install:

1. Install the EGR valve, along with a new gasket, on the upper intake manifold, then install and tighten the mounting bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).
2. Connect the EGR valve-to-EGR tube, then tighten the retaining nuts.
3. Connect the vacuum hose to the EGR valve.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tell us news.

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor

EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine

temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.

A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:
· The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
· There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
· The EGR valve is faulty
· The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vacuum

In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

• Use a vacuum pump

and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticeable difference in RPM's with the EGR open

• Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
• Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
• Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
• Replace the EGR valve

Check for

vacuum leaks on intake manifold,

the air tube between the air filter.

intake manifold vacuum hose.

===
clean throttle plate with Berryman carburator cleaner

SEE sample picture HERE
===

Also remove carbon built up behind the EGR valve and the EGR passage tube.

===

Vacuum leak WILL offset the intended 14.7 to 1 air fuel ratio.

More un-metered air (leaks) will lean out the fuel mixture.

Use small amount of Berryman carb clearer at potential air leak area will help you identify trouble spot.

At idle,just spray and listen for the RPM surge.

The in-rush of carb clearer will increase the RPM on the motor.

Record the problem spot(s) and address it later.

===

EGR carbon built up require 2+ hours to clean from start to finish.

You will need a new EGR base gasket before your start.

Locate and remove the EGR valve after the vehicle is cool down.

Carefully record the connector and vacuum line (for older vehicle) location by drawing an easily to follow diagram.

Remove the EGR valve.

Inspect the location of the carbon built-up inside the valve and the EGR passage tube.

SOAK these areas with WD-40 spary.

You will need a small screwdriver,cloth hanger and lot of newspaper and time to get this cleaning done right.

RE-SOAK the carbon and let it sit for over-night will also help.

One the last round,pass a shop vacuum of the EGR valve and the passage pipe.

Install the new EGR gasket and connectors.

Allow the vehicle to warm up outdoor to burn up any remaining WD-40.


Take it for a test drive.


Please rate my answer if it's useful to you.


Cheers,

Mustgo

Yes and know,it all depends on your experience with tools but you can do it if your follow instructions and take your time. I'll try to help you save some money and let you know that you can fix thins your self. 
A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

• The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
  
• There is a blockage in the egr (tube), most likely carbon buildup
  
• The egr valve is faulty
  
• The egr valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum
  

So we are going to remove the egr valve and clean it out with Carb cleaner, remove all the carbon build up that is binding the valve. If that doesn't not work or you thing there is too much carbon or the valve it self is still binding once it's cleaned, then just replace it. The other thing to is to replace the DPFE sensor but were just going to worry about the egr first since that is what is most common and a good cleaning will always almost fix the problem. 
There is one bolt that holds the egr tube to it and two bolts that hold it to the intake manifold take them out, unplug the electrical connector and its off.  Once the egr is off, Spray it clean with Carb cleaner and make sure that there are no moving parts are binding and re-install. If needed replace the old gasket with a new one. Good luck and hope this helps and if your not sure where the egr valve is, it's just behind the throttle body. Good luck and hope this helps, Auto Zone can also give you the step by step instructions to getting the job done and you can also buy the replacement egr valve. But start with the cleaning first.