Is it common for our EGR valves to go bad?

[98sunfirecanada]

I have been battling a common problem with my sunfire for about a year and a half now. When the car reaches operating temperature the car will sometimes start to buck and miss when I let off on the accelerator, and when i slow down to a stop the idle surges up and down. When i shut the car off and restart it, it will be fine for another few miles until it starts doing it again.

Just last week i started getting a code P0404 (EGR Range) after it had been sputtering (after an hour drive doing about 80kms/hr), and this time the engine had even started to knock a bit and rattle.

A few days ago i removed the EGR valve off the car and inspected it. There was a bit of soot in it but not much, so i cleaned it out with throttle cleaner. I also cleaned out the tube that it bolts to.

A few days later i went for the hour long drive again, and began to get the same P0404 code.

Does my EGR valve sound shot?

I have noticed over the past couple of months that i hear a little bit of engine rattle (like lifters) when i climb a slight grade or when the engine is straining a bit. This is why i'm thinking maybe my EGR valve is shot.


Just on a side note: I have replaced the TPS, IAC, Coolant temp sensor, Map, Cam Sensor, Ignition module, coils, wires, and plugs.

(98' 2.2L Sunfire)

 

[2000SunfireGT]

the ticking noise sounds like it could be the timing chain tensioner. my Gf's 96 cav with the 2.2 had the timing chain snap at 220,000KM because the tensioner was shot. this caused quite the rattling and ticking coming from around the lifters. Now with the EGR, have you inspected the rubber vacuum lines going to the valve for cracks or rips in the seams? if all the vacuum lines are good, then yes, replace the EGR valve because it has likely gone bad. I had an EGR valve out on my '93 dakota for like 3 yrs and it never gave me a problem tho..

 

[Guest]

A real time scan tool should tell what's going on. If the EGR is not working as it should,excessive exhaust will be intrduced into the air fuel mixture. This will cause a lean mixture. The noise that you're hearing could be pre ignition,caused by a lean mixture.