Are the EGR valves on 2008 3.8 Gr.Caravans a problem. My mechanic
turned off the light (said it was EGR fault) and the next morning while the vehicle started and ran okay, about three miles into my trip the CEL
pops on again. This Van only has 56K clicks on it, seems a bit early for changing parts. Anybody got any similar experiences. Also is it possible to clean them or is it just considered a throw-away item. Thanks, gordyk

 

Welcome to the site. I will move this thread to the Caravan section,
FF

 

Welcome to DF
If the code came back, then you need to find out why. And no its not too early. When there a problem the ck engine lite will come. Even if you forgot to put the gas cap back on, the lite will come on.

 

Welcome to the site

 

Hi , the E.G.R. valve was developed to lower the combustion chamber temp. an keep polution down by adding gas fumes . If your comb. chamber is to hot your computor retards your timing to prevent knocking or dieseling affect . When this happens you loose power an gas milage an polute the air ! Yes ! You can do with out repair to the E.G.R. , but you'll probally get a emision fine if caught an you'll loose enought power & gas milage to cover repair cost in a short time . The pinging could also cause a lot of damage to the piston & valve area ! It's your choise ! Hey , I'm just an ole man thinking out loud ! Good luck Bud

 

Thanks for your help. Well I now have a new EGR valve and things seem to be working fine. Apparently there was some sort of Repair Bulletin issued by Chrysler that said they could just FLASH the unit. Now I'm not sure if that means a cleanout or what. Even though I had gone past my 3 Years warranty period they performed that for free. Well it seemed to be okay but only lasted about 20 miles and then the Check Engine light came on again. I don't like playing around (or the inconvenience) and I'm sure I would have to change it sooner or later. This way it was just became sooner. I took it back in and just had them put a new one in. They treated me pretty fairly (parts price + Labour) and they gave me a one year warranty on the new unit. I can live with that. Thanks, Gordyk