Remove/Plug EGR valve?

[gossie09]

My check engine light came on a few weeks ago, and when I brought it to the garage, they just cleared the code and sent me on my way. It has since come on again and they said i need a new EGR valve, which would run me upwards of $300. But I've heard that I actually don't need the EGR valve installed.

Does anyone know how to go about removing the valve (or know if it's actually true that I don't need it).

I have a '99 Protege.

Thanks.

[Beerizfood]

If money is the issue,you can remove the valve and clean it.

If you are not experiencing any driveability problems it may only be the system which monitors the EGR system malfunctioning ie the vacuum port to the sensor which monitors the valve operation.

Dont delete it if your car is stock,its there to reduce combustion temps and removing it could cook you catalyst

[dtatham]

The EGR error is common (especially for the 99 model year) and it's most likely not a bad valve. The channel to the EGR valve comes off of the bottom of the intake manifold just inside of the throttle body. Remove the throttle body and the EGR valve. Use carb cleaner and spray out the channel (tube..) and you should have the cleaner flow out where the EGR valve had been attached. Clean the channel thoroughly. This will have to be done every 50-100K miles. Clean the valve while you're at it to make sure it doesn't stick.

I have an extra EGR valve at home. I replaced it and had the CEL come back on after a few weeks. I was not very happy when I found out what the problem really was. Unfortunately, garages tend to believe whatever the OBDII reader tells them unless they have run into the problem before.