How to clean the EGR valve and Throttle || 1997 Chevy Lumina

If your Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve is clogged you may be getting some rough idle when at a stop light or stop sign. Cleaning out your EGR valve can be the simplest fix. If you'd like to try this yourself I included links to the items that I used for this job. Go ahead and try it out!
Get a code reader to read any check engine light that could occur because of this: www.amazon.com/dp/B07D1KH9SC/
Get some Carb Cleaner here:
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Get the cable that will work here:
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[@AutOdometer]

If you own a Chevrolet Lumina you might want to check out my playlist of repairs and things I've done on my Lumina. kzbin.info/aero/PLBswVpqDrWxS5gWH6NyI4i9o-wRLztOCu

[@gerardodonaire699]

AutOdometer i have a 1998 Chevy malibu it spending a lot of gas I think it’s the same problem you fixed

[@PureExistence1]

I'm guessing the process is pretty similar to any vehicle that has an EGR valve. I have a 95 GMC Sierra pickup truck. I coded it with a paperclip and it's throwing a code that is EGR valve. I replaced it back in 2016, not sure what the mileage was on it then, I'm at 211, 828 now... I'm going to try cleaning it because it's around 80 bucks to buy a new one and I got to pass smog in about 3 months. I'm hoping that by cleaning this thing out, it will turn the light off and I'll be able to pass the smog test.

[@lolYoruichifan]

Some great tips and tricks, I was almost about to buy a new EGR but remembered I can clean it instead. I just need to pass emissions real quick and plan to repair/replace what needs done before the summer.

[@CentralCanada]

Thanks for this vid 🙂 And another u'tube mechanic has used for decades, a 'retired' speedometer cable as his 'rotor rooter' !! Just acquired one myself for use from my fave auto recycler (up here in western Canada), have tah still clean off the plastic cover', and hope for a warm day to pop the egr valve off again, and chk for those "chunks"

[@martystevens3969]

EGR valves can leak and not show it physically. Use air blown into the open side and see if air flows thru the closed side. If it does, it leaks. A clogged passage WON'T cause rough idle. It's not flowing air into the engine. Find a liquid solution to let it soak for HOURS! Carburetor cleaner from a carb. kit can might work. Boric acid for unclogging drains might loosen hard clogs.

[@honeybear8485]

Thanks bro nice video explains very simple and easy I'm going to be cleaning my EGR valve and mass air flow sensor.

[@TERMINATORT8OO119]

You know what that actually reminds me of that cable you have it reminds me of the engine homeowner that has the cable with the little steel balls attached to it that's pretty cool good video

[@Desertcarcare]

Great tips...keep up the great info !

[@itocivic]

Very good explanation buddy..! Well done.!

[@stevooliver3877]

Most egr codes will be p401 thru p405...words in the codes that will tell you if it's a mechanical problem of the erg(clean EGR & port) or a electrical problem would be like a p405 which maybe low voltage or malfunction(replace EGR) but the code will guide you on repair..

[@CarsSimplified]

This video is doing quite well in search results!

[@AutOdometer]

watch Nick Nimmin and Brian G Johnson... about 40% of my views come from search results... they both have excellents vids on more traffic

[@pineapplesplash9166]

You can use CRC Throttle body and Air intake spray

[@itsallasimulation3509]

Man I just got this car. I’m in the middle of replace it the head gasket and manafold gaskets now: anyways. My port was completely filled with carbon. I mean it didn’t look like it was there: I scraped out what I could . Then went with the drill and cable idea. Luckily I have line like that’s I had to let it sit both sides full for about 4 hours and chipped at it the best o could about 5 times in between. I ended up. Hammering a welding stick thru it. Then the wire worked great. Thanks

[@jamespinckard4210]

Don''t use carb cleaner on your throttle body. Use only throttle body cleaner. There are specific cleaners for specific things.

[@AutOdometer]

I think what I used was carb & throttle body cleaner. All I could find at local store.

[@DirtyMikeHoncho]

Lmao it all evaporates and leaves behind no residue what you mean

[@stevooliver3877]

You have the right idea..run the cable thru with the way the cable is wound..after reaching the intake then run the drill opposite way make cable unwind in the port while pulling the cable out ..but after 150k the erg does go out

[@essamtal4333]

Hi Is it possible to run the engine while you remove the EGR sensor in order to clean in main pipes of the EGR instead of using the wire Thanks

[@warriorfan32]

I've never messed with anything like replacing this valve before. I have a Chevrolet Lumina 2001, would this be about the same process even though the models of car are different? I don't even know how I could locate said valve..

[@markgrove2030]

As to metal wires/strands could a guy get anywhere using a stiff bristle brush after soaking solvent? Plan to clean both EGR & TB today...

[@capadon77]

Hello. Do u think this wire will work? 3/16" 7x19 1/8"

[@capadon77]

Do u think any wire that is 1/4" & 7x19 will work

[@tylerdinis958]

Thanks for this video and your playlist on your Lumina. I have a 1995 Chevy Beretta 3.1L that needs a lot of these little repairs and cleaning done.

[@robf302]

good tips well done

[@miners_treasures]

Use an old speedometer cable to clean the passageway. :)

[@imatter4619]

What are the chances its the connection that goes bad, Ive seen lots of vids in how to check it but mine is in a bad position and I cant get the leads on it.

[@zerozero1944]

I used a really long sheet rock screw but jst out of curiosity and it took alot more stuff vs any pick id wished tool makers made a flexi sheet rock screw type of thing

[@deborahpitts03]

Ok Thank..Your right I'm not use the the new Trans

[@shawnritchie6666]

thank you, appreciate the advice.

[@gerardodonaire699]

Awesome thank you 👏🏻🤝

[@kenhart3839]

The best thing about cleaning the EGR valves on the older cars is having some shmuck looking in at the end all the junks gonna come out at when you blow thru it.

[@Carlzday]

so, is it brown?

[@orangenblue203]

Good educational video sir. I got a question, after spraying your egr ports, did you noticed the hard crank on your motor n a white cloud of smoke coming from the front of the gasket? I experienced it the other after the same cleaning process. Hit me back if you have additional infos. Thanks

[@AutOdometer]

sry I cant say I saw smoke out of any gasket or the tail pipe or any where. Started right up no problem. I have done this twice and let the carb cleaner dry out before securing and starting back up

[@deborahpitts03]

Hello, I had The EGR removed in my 03 Monte Carlo, and the tube to the exhaust manifold cleaned out, had it put back on..The mechanic disconnect the battery to reset Dcm and I drove it maybe 30 miles the light has not came on yet but I'm still getting a less power in taking off 1 gear and when it builds up to speed, 2nd gear jumps slows down then takes off...I added a bottle of lucas and some gas treatment as well.I don't know what else to try, besides replacing the shift Senlinoid..Any ideas?

[@AutOdometer]

I have no experience with changing a shifting solenoid. Not sure if that will help or not. Your engine now might be running as it should you are just not used to it. If it sounds funny or the engine light comes back on I'd have it looked at by a trusted mechanic.

[@aaronajbird07]

hi I think your Catalytic is getting plugged up, that what was happening to my 2003 Monte Carlo, that's if you can barely go like 80 clicks an hour and stuff though

[@whatever5575]

Does by doing this make your car pass smog check?

[@AutOdometer]

I don’t have emissions in my state. It may since its related to the exhaust

[@Luna-dt1nt]

Thank you nice vid.

[@handsome4922]

Would brake cleaner work as well?

[@bobgreene2892]

At 6:04, "It is not pliable enough to fit through the passageway..." ----------------------------------- Actually, the problem is not cable pliability (bendability) but the cable must be stiff enough for the cable end to grind against the passageway being cleaned. If the cable is too pliable, it will not rub against the passageway and cannot remove deposits. Obviously, if the cable is too stiff, it will not enter fully into the passage, at all.

[@woosa42]

After you snake that passage way where does that carbon and all that carb cleaner go that you broken thru. Does it go back thru the intake and into the throttle body?

[@AutOdometer]

+woosa42 depends on how much you have. Lot of it gets on the end of the wire. I've done it before when it's a goopy mess unfortunately not on camera and end of wire was coated. However I would assume some goes into intake and eventually burned off

[@yolandafields6526]

AutOdometer.

[@essamtal4333]

My car is Chevrolet optra 2007 Thanks

[@deborahpitts03]

I replaced my EGR valve in my 03 Monte CARLO and drove it approximately 50 miles and the Check came on and back went off..I went to get a smog and the technician said that it still reads P0404..Can you please tell what problem maybe?

[@AutOdometer]

+Deborah Pitts my guess is that the PCM (Power Control Module - some call it the ECU - Engine Control Unit) didn't Have long enough to recognize the new EGR. If you had a bad EGR you may have some blockage in your tube from your exhaust and to your intake manifold. Make sure that is cleared. If you know that is cleared and that you have a new EGR valve and your check engine light is off... you can take the negative terminal off the battery for about 15mins to an hour to reset the PCM. Some have luck with just the negative terminal. You can take the battery out completely but always take negative off FIRST then the positive off. Reconnect it after waiting Then get the smog test. Good luck let me know how it goes

[@deborahpitts03]

AutOdometer Thank you for responding and I will have the mechanic remove the new EGR and clean the exhaust flow..Hopefully that works. I will get back to after the job is completed.

[@armyoutcast846]

Brown stuff = called carbon

[@michaelbodine6142]

EGR blow by or WHATEVER the fuel filter does NOT filter,,watch for overheated cylinders

[@Nick41622]

thiess egr valve are rendering engines

[@seanmares2406]

One thing I hate is a dirty motor

[@enriqueherrera1936]

Yes cause very expensive

[@Maxumized]

You've got a problem when...your cable keeps bending and won't go down the hole.

[@AutOdometer]

+Maxumized exactly... that's why I got a more flexible cable 👍 thanks for the input my man

[@AutOdometer]

+Maxumized oh wait ... I missed that... wow

[@Maxumized]

AutOdometer that's what she said...

[@Bikewithlove]

Wear nitrile gloves.

[@83malibuwagon]

Why?

[@stzbg90]

Gays.... Don't do this with the cables. This can damage the engine

[@A31268]

How so

[@robertsalas3984]

My dude it's a lumina just tossing it will make your life better .

[@Notonmywatch1340]

Breathing in chemicals is definitely no good but Use gloves as well. If it gets on your skin your liver is going to have to deal with it as well