Any smog buffs willing to add suggestions to my smog dilemma?
The mechanic tells me the car passes everything except that the EGR valve isn't sending the electric pulse to the computer. He tells me the valve is good and has vacuum, but isn't sending the pulse. He want's over $100 to diagnose it, probably a flat 2 hour rate charge. Any help would be appreciated. I think with the correct answer, I can fix it myself.

 

how would he know that??? I thought smog was just a sniffer test and a visual... not a "test every smog equipment". I would take it to another station bro. But to answer your question, there is only 2 things for EGR. 1. EGR 2. EGR solenoid.

i would check to see if the valve holds vacuum. if it does then i would move to the solenoid and test that.

 

Thx! The mechanic's specific note was, "No vacuum signal at EGR valve"

 

Thanks to 1TUFF92 for your time! I'll check the vacuum under 25mph.

 

Easy there cowboy.

EGR's get a functional test. do some research to check if the EGR system is functioning properly. If you dont know how, drop off a Hun-ski & have it done for you.

 

Thanks 3rdBird, I'll do a vacuum check tomorrow under a slow speed and see what it reads. If it doesn't show any vacuum, then I'll probably pay someone who knows what they are doing. Thank for the response.

 

You're welcome. Sorry I didn't recognized you when we talked on the phone but now I know who you are after seeing your post. We actually talked for awhile at the car show before. Weren't you the one still there when I did that fat burnout? Just give me a shout if you still need help. And don't forget to to give me your address so I know where to send the bill....hahaha j/k.

 

Yes, I did stay and watch your burnout. I remember talking to you more about how to keep my IROC CA. smog legal, looking stock from under the hood, and how much bhp I could get to the rear wheels. Despite the 250k on the odo, it still passes the "sniffer" test, so if all I have is an electrical problem, then what's $100 to keep it on the road for 2 more years? I can't get the vacuum gauge to register at 15-20 mph, so it looks like I'll have a professional diagnose/fix it. Thanks for your time,
Daniel Umphenour

 

I'm guessing that in your county they do the two speed idle test becuase thats the only reason they would actually check the EGR. I used to work for the CA smog Referee so I know how they are supposed to check it.

To check if the EGR is getting a vacuum signal disconnect the vacuum line from the EGR hook up a vacuum gauge and give it some gas with it in park or neutral, the gauge should show at least 10 in. of vacuum. If it doesn't get any vacuum I would check all the vacuum lines going to the EGR for cracks and to make sure they are all hooked up correctly. If its not the vacuum lines its probably just the EGR solenoid. I would try replacing the solenoid and if that doesn't do it then take it to a mechanic.