Hey everyone. I have a SES light. My car is basically a stock SS with MSD ignition, and a Random Y-pipe w/cats.
Here are my codes, and the description it gave using AutoXray:

P172- Bank 1 too rich

P400- EGR Malfunction.

Where should I start?

 

For the 0400 you could try taking it back to a dealer since the EGR valve for 97's had a recall. I had mine replaced from a recall notice for free about two years ago. If you have never changed the O2 sensors you may want to try that, I'm pretty sure that was the code I was getting when I had a problem with an O2 sensor last year. A new set of plugs is always a good idea if they havn't been changed yet.

 

I just called my dealership, and they said that they don't show any recall for the EGR valve on '97 Camaros! Does any one know the reference # for this????

 

Also, could the faulty EGR be what's casung the car to run rich?

 

It may have been a TSB, a technical service bulletin from GM as opposed to an actual "recall" although I thought it was a recall notice. And since it is emmissions related the mileage limit is 100K for them to repair it no charge, that's what I've heard at least. The EGR allows exhaust gas to recirculate back into the intake so if it was stuck open it may have an effect the A/F mixture. I would talk to the dealer again to be sure and if they wont do it maybe try another one. If no dealer will due it it's not that hard to replace the valve yourself, and I think they run about $40-50 for a new one.

 

Where is the EGR located? How can I check it myself?

 

It is located on the back of the intake manifold. Here is a pic of it from a 95 from Rob's page, it's very similar if not exactly the same on a 97.Here is the back of mine with the valve and exhaust hose removed. I looked but couldn't find a troubleshooting guide on it. You could try a Haynes or Chilton manual, I know they have troubleshooting info on it. It is pretty easy if you want to just replace the valve, it's just held on by two nuts and has a vacuum line running to it.

 

When you replace the EGR does it come with a gasket and is there enough room to take it out and replace it?

 

I'm pretty sure it would come with a new gasket but I never replaced it myself I had the dealer do it for free. You don't have to remove the intake or anything to get to it. It is hidden back there under the cowl and it is a little tight back there but there is enough room to remove it.

 

Holy poop Batman, how the hell am I going to get behing the manifold to change that thing?!

I remember people mentioning that sometimes the solenoid failes? How about this? Where is that located? Is it also possible that I may have to clean the valve?

 

You would pretty much have to do remove it by feel, you're not exactly going to get back there. Kind of like changing a lot of the plugs on the car The solenoid is at the top in the first pic. You could try cleaning it, some people have had success with cleaning the valve with carb cleaner but that doesn't always work.

 

It is really not that hard to get out (at least I did not think so).

The solenoid is indicated in one of the pic links posted earlier.

Yes, sometimes they can get caked up and get stuck open. The diaphragm should move in an out freely and hold vacuum.

 

My strut tower brace is really impeeding my ability to get back there. I can barely touch it with my hand, let alone see it. How can I check to see if it is sticking? Sorry for all the questions.