EGR Valve - Engine Option Code
Hi, this is my first post. I had the same problem with my 2005 Grand
Caravan. Great van, but all of the sudden, the check engine light came
on, and then it started driving "jerky." I found this post, along with
others on the web, and diagnosed it myself. Let me outline how I did
that, since this will accumulate info from several different sites:
1. I turned the ignition key from the "on" to the "run" position about
5 times, and a code showed up in the mileage slot. My code was P 0404,
which read more like "tripP 0404".
2. I looked up that code on google, and also asked the guy at Autozone. Both said it was a bad EGR valve.
**Side note: there is a little thing here in the 2005 Grand Caravan called a "XZZ Option Code" in relation to the EGR valve. As in, when you go to get a new EGR valve, they are going to ask you if you need the "XZZ Option" or the "XZZ Exception." When you ask the guy at Autozone what the difference is, he doesn't know. So, after a little research, the difference is this: if your VIN has the letters "XZZ" in it, then you need the "XZZ Option." If your VIN doesn't have "XZZ" then you don't need that option. (Thanks a lot, Dodge, for that bit of stupidity.)***
3. Autozone didn't have the EGR in stock, but Federated Auto Parts
(aka KOI, in our area--Cincinnati) had five in stock, so I got one--it
cost me about $85.00
4. After getting home, I changed it out, in the following steps.
a. I disconnected the battery.
b. I disconnected the electrical line coming to the EGR (by the
way, the EGR sits just above the alternator...and if you don't know
what the alternator is, take the parts to your local mechanic and ask
him to change it out for you...)
c. I disconnected the vacuum line that comes into the top of the
EGR, as well as disconnecting the other end of that line, just to get
it out of the way. That took 4 bolts, and they were 8 mm.
d. I removed the two bolts (10mm) holding the EGR in place, and
they were a bit tight to get to. I would suggest a 1/4" drive U-joint
to get to the bottom one, but a two inch extension held just right will
get the job done--I didn't have the u-joint for my socket so it can be
done without it...not much fun though.)
e. I replaced the metal gasket (it came in the box with the new
EGR), and reversed the steps to put everything back together.
After restarting and test driving the minivan, I have no check engine
light, and the "shuttering" is gone. I'm about to drive to Texas next
week...we'll see if it solved the problem. More news later.
I love the internet. Ride free, citizen!
"Some people have money. Some people have knowledge. Unfortunately, the people with knowledge usually end up with the other people's money."
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