gorms

About 9 months ago the check engine light started popping up, then going away for a week or so and cycling on and off about every other week. Got the code pulled and it read EGR valve failure, I don't remember the specific code. I pulled the EGR apart (I have a 50-state model) and the exhaust tube to the intake manifold was rotting from the inside- it was very damp with moisture and flakes of rust fell out with a little tap. The EGR valve did open with a vacuum pump, but I couldn't find the in-hg spec it should open at.

I'm thinkin the code came up from the EGR vacuum solenoid, But I have 2 problems; don't know when the solenoid is supposed to energize, and open the egr valve, so I haven't tested for voltage, and (2) I can't find a resistance value for the solenoid itself. I would like to narrow it down a little before I drop $60 on the solenoid that doesn't do anything (I blanked the EGR off with a steel plate).

Thanks for any help, sick of looking at the Check Engine light.

DL1221

If you have an EGR valve in your 12-valve, then you have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) truck, or simply a California truck. It is not a Federal, or 50-state, truck. Only California trucks came with the EGR valve.

There are many owners of California trucks who just remove all the EGR stuff and cap off the ports (I don't think this causes the Check Engine Light to come on). Since we are all good and responsible citizens, I should point out that tampering with any emissions equipment is illegal. However, you are certainly free to do as you wish with your truck.

Now as far as the vacuum and electrical specs, I can't help, I don't know them. The factory Dodge service or troubleshooting manuals should have them, they go for about $90 and $20, respectively. Sorry, I can't be of more help, but I haven't bought the manuals for my 96 either. My guess is as good as yours, I'd say you have a bad vacuum solenoid.

netguy

I second what gorms said. My 96 is a California model with an EGR system and I blocked it off at the exhaust manifold end of the tube with a steel plate. Never had a check engine light nor any problems and I know the air going thru my intake manifold must be alot cleaner now.