My engine light came on yesterday and I took my truck (4.7L) to Auto Zone to have them put a reader on it. They said it was the EGR system but could not specific the specific item to service.
If it is electronic, is there really anything else to check?
Is anything serviceable short of replacing the EGR valve?
I want to be sure what is needed as it sure looks like a b*tch to get to on my 4.7 motor.

The motor idles fine and the truck seems to respond normally.

What other concerns should I have?

 

Go pick up an OBD2 scanner for about $150. Mine was the evap so I threw on a new gas cap and solved that.

 

Any scanner in particular?
Will it work with my '08 Ford?

 

Yea it should. Before you buy it ask what cars it works on. Go check them out at you local auto place and then buy one online because they are a lot cheaper.

 

Did you get them to clear the code? If not, disconnect the negative battery cable and let it clear and see if you get the code again. I got the same thing this past summer. I cleared the code and it came back a week later, and when it did it was just after I noticed the engine running rough and stumbling a little bit. My tach was bouncing up and down a few hundred rpm's at idle for a brief period, and then the CEL came back on and gave the same code. Replaced the EGR valve and all has been well since.

 

I think they cleared the code since the light was off when they finished but the engine light came on the next day and is still on.
Truck still runs fine but seems to have a little less power.
The EGR valve sure looks difficult to service on my 4.7.

 

Do you have the error code it gave them? or what the the code the CEL you have now popped up?

 

Yep, the EGR on a non-HO 4.7 is a PIA!!! I changed one maybe two years ago for a friend with a Dak and I would assume it has to be in the same place on a Ram since it's the same engine. I had to use a 3 inch wobble extention and then a 8 inch extension with a deep well socket to reach it with my 3/8 inch ratchet.

I think Chrysler pays their engineers extra to design chit that makes it so you don't want to mess with it and just take it to the dealer to get a$$raped...

 

I have the same conspiracy theory about that and other things. But at best case, it's just sloppy design which is not admirable either. I think the EGR on the Hemi is fairly easy to change but I still whimped out and got my shop (not dealer) to do it for me. I did go purchase the part on my own though to save the markup the shop would have charged me.

 

Yeah, by comparison, the Hemi EGR is a piece of cake...