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My 97 Honda Civic HX has its check engine light on, the codes I'm getting is P0303 and P1399. The car runs fine but I need to it to pass smog. I've already changed the spark plugs and wires, cap and rotor, cleaned out the EGR valve (Didn't really look dirty:had the EGR changed about 5 years ago) Also had the timing checked (distributor)and set to 12 degress +-2. Any advice? Thank you in advance.

 
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i have a 97 civic hx coupe. check engine light came on and i went to auto zone i think. anyway it was throwing the egr code. i have talked to people at autozone, napa, and pep boys, and they all say cleaning the egr valve is a waste of time cuz there is a diaphram in there somewhere that sometimes wears out, or gets a pin hole in it or a small tear. so im in the process of replacing the egr valve on mine (not gonna bother with cleaning it cuz of the answers ive gotten at the auto parts stores.) maybe you should replace it again IF and only if one of those codes its throwing is the egr valve code. i dont know where you live but here in colorado, the egr valve is about 160 for the part. so make sure one of those codes is for the egr valve then replace it again. thats where i would start. also have you gotten those codes explained to you? like go to auto zone and have them put the machine on it and they will tell you what parts the codes relate to.

 
Rep Power: 286

I completely disagree with the advice given to you buy Napa, Pep boys and Autozone. Sometimes, not always, EGR codes can be cleared by cleaning the EGR. Considering a can of carb cleaner costs $4, I'd say its worth a shot compared to spending a couple hundred dollars on a new egr.

 
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hey first off i aint no mechanic. second off im just passing on what was told to me. i do however think its quite a coincidence that four people at three different stores told me the same thing. i may be wrong (which is entirely possible) but that is what i was told. my cel is off now but if it comes back on and i find out its the egr code again i will try cleaning it. i do agree however that a 4 dollar can of cleaner is waaaay better than paying 160 for a new egr valve.

 
Rep Power: 286

Just keep in mind that all four people at all three stores work for companies that would rather you an expensive replacement part instead of a cheap quick fix. Like I said, it won't work every time, but it will work sometimes and is worth a shot. You'd be amazed severe the carbon deposits can become.

 
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well like i said i will definately try to clean it out with carb cleaner, but i think now that we are having this disagreement that ill call some mechanics and see what they say about it. cuz i want the right answer. i dont wanna spend 160 on a new egr valve if all i have to do is clean it with some carb cleaner... and fyi im not trying to be an ******* or anything... i just want the right answer, but you are right those people are trying to sell me something. and an egr valve is more expensive than carb cleaner!!! and i just pulled out an old o2 sensor from some headers i bought from a friend and the carbon on that is amazing! there is sooo much black residue on the end that goes into the header pipe. i sure hope i can clean out my egr........

 
Rep Power: 286

I wonder if it's possible to rebuild an egr.. hmm..

*off to do research*

 
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please please post your findings for us..... thanks mind bomber

 
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Well this is my findings, I cleared the check enginee light by cleaning out the EGR and Plenum ports (where very dirty). I then took my car to get checked again, and it failed smog test again but on the HC. It's better than before. The tech said I need a new CAT, which I don't want to replace because the numbers are too low. See below.

HC
Test 15 mph Meas 75 (MAX is 66)
Test 25 mph Meas 49 (MAX is 49)

The smog tech said to use 91 octane and a fuel additive like Guantaneed to PASS found at AutoZone or any auto parts store. And come back again.

Originally (not on this current smog check) I also had High NO(PPM) but I reduced them greatly by cleaning all the carbon on the EGR plate and also opening/cleaning out the clogged ports on the EGR port and plate (also called a Plenum plate: its a removable place found between the Intake Manafold and the Fuel rail) The reading were before the cleaning: @ 15mph NO(PPM MAX 487 Meas 755 and @25 mph MAX 774 Meas 678.

After cleaning underneath the Plenum plate area the results are
NO(PPM)
Test 15mph MAX 487 Meas 111
Test 25 mph MAX 774 Meas 61.

BTW, below, is the first smog check performed with all the repair work done on it.

asof April 21, 2011(yesterday)
My 97 Honda Civic HX D16Y5 failed emission (HC) CA smog test. My ASM Emission Test results are:
HC(PPM)
Test 15 mph Max 66 Ave 9 Meas 103
Test 25 mph Max 49 Ave 7 Meas 63.
HC
Test 15 mph Meas 103 (MAX is 66)
Test 25 mph Meas 63 (MAX is 49)

My CO and NO reading are very good.

I've completed a complete tune-up: Spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, valve adjustment, timing set (w/timing light), oil change, cleaned EGR (not dirty) and clean Plenum cover and ports and opened clogged passages, which were clogged) and also I've changed the gas filter and air filter.

I did the work myself. I love the car.

I drove to the smog station about 3 miles away and had the car check and it failed the emissions part only: HC (PPM)

Should I have run the car in the freeway for about 30 hour/30 miles for CATALYTIC converter to heat up enough so that it would pass smog check? Or also for the car computer to run all test?

Also an hour before I went to the smog station I had reconnected the battery because I had finished the repairs on the car.

You advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Fernando Gamboa

 
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you know i think i remember someone telling me that you should drive the car a little before you have the emissions checked. my 97 civic D16Y5 had a cold air intake on it when i got my emissions done and it passed with the check engine light on cuz of the EGR valve. but i dont think my cats are bad. and it also had the stock exhaust manifold on it when i had it done. but i am now (tomorrow morning gonna go to pep boys and get the new EGR valve gasket and clean mine out... question, when you took it off the car were there any small parts or springs that could go haywire when i take it off. it would be nice to know from someone who took thires off.

Thanks,
The Gecko

 
Rep Power: 368

I posted on your other thread (this is BTW the reason not to create 2 threads with same subject - you get the replies lost somewhere... and anoying for users that use "new posts" feature).

You need to drive at the least 100 miles for the computer to complete testings after a reset.