Caution: Avoid breathing fumes and swallowing EGR exhaust deposits when removing components for cleaning as bodily injury may result.

When the EGR valve is removed, the EGR system should be inspected and cleaned if needed. This will insure that the EGR system will function properly under all operating conditions. Proper EGR system service consists of the following steps:

1. EGR system diagnosis. Diagnosis of the EGR system should be performed if PCM DTCs are set .
2. EGR valve pipe cleaning and inspecting for leaks. Clean and inspect the EGR pipe from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Pipe Replacement .
3. Clean the EGR valve. The EGR valve can be removed, inspected for deposits, cleaned, and reinstalled. Use the following procedure for this operation:

3.1.	Remove the EGR valve from the engine. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .

3.2.	While holding the EGR valve base in your hand, try to rotate the connector housing. Replace if the valve exhibits looseness.

3.3.

Inspect the EGR valve pintle and seat for deposits. Use a cloth or other suitable soft device to remove deposits. Remove all loose particles. If deposits are such that the pintle/base interface cannot be cleaned adequately to allow the pintle to seal against the seat, replace the valve. Damage to the EGR valve base will occur if cleaned with solvents, sharp tools, wire brush/wheel or sand blasting. Cleaning by these methods is not recommended.

3.4.	Install the EGR valve on the engine using a new gasket. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .