EGR question

[asamek]

My 3.3l T&C just threw a p0406 code today.

At almost 69,000 miles, it may be the EGR itself - but, I just ran a bottle of Regane through the fuel system - could that have caused it to throw a code?

The van is running as good as it ever has, so it doesn't seem to be having any effect, whatever the problem is.

Is there any danger to running it for a couple hundred miles on fresh gas to see if it goes off by itself? My Scanguage won't clear the code for some reason.

I'm heading out to Asheville next Monday, and the plan is to have it fixed if it doesn't go away by itself by this Wednesday - unless there's danger of doing some damage.

 

[Jimmy9190]

You might check with the dealer, it may still be covered by the 8 year/80,000 mile Federal Emissions Warranty. I know on the Ram pickups there was a TSB that had to be done in conjunction with replacing the EGR valve before the code can be cleared. The TSB may or may not apply to your van, but it would be good to check into the emissions warranty.

This is just an idea, I know nothing about Chrysler vans or the 3.3 engine.

 

[asamek]

Thanks for the thoughts, Jimmy9190.

 

[mechtech2]

How's she running?
Any bad idle symptoms , oddness at light throttle, or pinging/spark knock?

 

[asamek]

Idles OK, no pinging, but some occasional hesitation/stuttering at low RPM. Also, it stalled on me pulling into the driveway on Sunday. But it's been pretty good since then.

Took it to my preferred repair shop yesterday, but they had their main mechanic out and were swamped. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[highmilegeguy]

Could be that the egr valve is loaded up with carbon and sticking open.

Running a can of anything won't clean it. You need to remove it and clean the pintle and passage way. No doubt its packed up with carbon buildup.

If its getting stuck open, then, yes, it could stall the engine out as it decelerates to idle.

 

[asamek]

I'm guessing that's what it is, highmilegeguy. I wasn't having a problem before I used the Regane - only since. I tapped it with a hammer the other day, and the CEL went off for a little while, then came back on.

My biggest issue is one of laziness. I pretty much have to take the alternator off to get a good grip on one of the bolts holding the egr on. And at that point, it becomes too much work on these 100 degree days!

 

[mechtech2]

I misread you post - the mechanics were swamped, not stumped!

But since you have a specific code, and symptoms that indicate the EGR, dive in and save money!