Bob Shuman wrote:
> I thought the older S-series used a vacuum, not a solenoid, to activate the
> EGR. In any event, it sounds like the EGR is sticking so should be
> replaced.

I really don't know how it works in this car, the mechanic said he had
to remove vacuum to get it to close (he actually has the valve closed
off with a screw right now). But something would need to switch
between vacuum and non-vacuum, and I figured that would be a solenoid
(and the trouble codes for this car indicate 'EGR solenoid' anyway).
Well, the car doesn't hesitate anymore, and it was ok for the several
minute drive home. I have it back today and he said to try it a few
days until they can come up with a permanent fix, but it seems that bad
things can also happen if it's permanently shut (and it probably
wouldn't pass emissions, fortunately it was just inspected in
September). All the work that's been done so far, including new spark
plugs and wires, test driving, and the temporary EGR fix has come to a
whopping $82. Sure beats the $1500-$2300 I was planning on dishing out
for a rebuilt transmission or major engine work. Maybe I'm just too
used to being scammed around here, where the DC area scam tax is about
300%.