Truck has been running like $hit for about 3 weeks now, getting worse every time I started it. It has felt like when a plug wire is arcing, surging power, lack of power, bad gas mileage. So, needless to say, I was GLAD when the check engine light came on! At least this gave me some direction to head in.
Now, I checked the code and got 7 short flashes, a pause, then 1 flash, then repeated the 7 blah blah....
I assume this is code 71, which is the EGR system.

So, my question is where do I start? Do I just look for a replacement EGR valve? (I found one at Advance Auto for 199.00!!!!! God, that seems like a lot for a non-Toyota part...)

PLEASE help me get started diagnosing this problem, as this is my DD, and I have a fairly long drive to work...
Jason

You need to have the EGR valve replaced. If you dont already know, what the EGR valve dose is put the unburned gases back into the conbustion camber, leting them burn off. if it is stuck open it can cause your plugs to faul out and make you car run like crap. so just spend the little money or it wont be fixed. although some you can clean out but im not sure about yours.

200K miles is a long time for an EGR valve. Usually they rust up much sooner. A bad O2 sensor has been known to cause this problem too.

So...
Just replace it without diagnosing anything?

Have you checked these ( EGR function, EGR Code 71, Check Engine Light ) recent posts, via the search function?

In the first post there is a link from Equire812 to a pdf on Toy EGR's, good reading. The EGR can also be removed and cleaned w/ a solvent, with varying success.

Tom

A code 71 seems isolated to Cali-smog equipped systems from what I have seen so far. The Cali-equipped EGRs have an EGR gas temp sensor mounted in the top where it bolts into the back of the plenum. Im not sure of the test procedures since the only Toy in our stable with it is the 89' Celica with 3S-FE. But when it threw a code 71 I simply unplugged the electrical connector cleaned up the contacts...then hit the main body of the EGR assembly with a BFH for GPs and that seemed to fix the problem (albeit serious backwoods mechanics <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />) Check that out before you go and spend the coin on a new EGR...they are expensive enough that you may have to visit Toyota Financing for a new one. ~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

I got this from Uncle Jim a while back. At the time my 22RE was not running that bad so if yours is I would suspect the EGR valve itself. It is simple to test as he describes below.


"Pete, Code 71 applies only to California vehicles and indicates a fault in the EGR temperature sensor circuit. The usual malfunction when this code is set is the EGR valve and not the temp. sensor itself. Really, the EGR temp. sensor is kind of the ECUs way of checking EGR flow by measuring the temperature of the exhaust gases and comparing it to set tables in the ECUs programming. Common causes for this are a bad EGR valve, EGR valve plumbing (vacuum lines and hoses from the EGR vacuum modulator and VSV), or a plugged EGR valve. More often than not, it is the EGR valve causing the code and this can be checked by applying vacuum to the EGR valve and seeing if the engine stalls or drops a significant number of RPMs (at idle). However, don't overlook something as simple as a split or disconnected hose or vacuum line or a bad vacuum switching valve (VSV). That's it for Advanced Code 71 lessons today"

i too have a 71 code.. but idon't have the problems you are describing.. which makes me think your egr valve is bad..

on my truck when i went to get it smogged.. i was high on NOx .. i guess so the tech told me.. on toyotas the EGR recirculator goes bad.. its that little black round deal clipped near the EGR at the front of the motor.. on a V6

i'm going to replace that and see if it cancels the CE light

good luck

Okay guys,
Tested everything in the EGR system per the FSM. Found out that everything is fine, EXCEPT the vacuum modulator. This failed the air flow tests described in the book. So, I ordered one from the dealer yesterday, and JUST got the call from the parts manager that the part was in already. (My dealer is AWESOME for ordering parts, order before 1pm and it's there by 11-11:30am next day.) He's only charging 1$ more than conicelli and jay marks, plus I don't pay shipping. So, even with tax it's cheaper and way faster. I'm going to put it in the truck when I get it and go to lunch. I will report back after I drive it for a few miles. (About 30 miles on my way back home.)
Thanks for the suggestions and help guys! I'm pretty sure this was the whole problem, but we will see.
Jason