Pontiac Repair: Engine light on, egr valve, exhaust gases

Question
Hi.

I've had my 1996 Grand Prix (V6, 3.1) for almost four years (since 2004). I got
it with 100,000 miles on it, but haven't had to do much for it but the
maintenance and repair that one would expect on a car this age.

Since October 2007, however, my "service engine soon" light has been on.
The last time this happened (in 2005), I needed a tune up. I got one and the
problem was solved. This time, the light stayed on. Took it back, they said I
needed a new EGR valve. Got one, and the light is still on.

Now they're telling me I need another valve because the one I have might
have some kind of build up that's causing the light to stay on. Meanwhile, my
dad told me a cheaper solution is to just get a new gas cap, and replace the
air filter, which I did today. As of now, the light is still on.

Is there anything else this could possibly be?

Thanks,

- Lindsay

Answer
Hi Lindsay:

The egr valve issue on this car is a pretty connon issue on high milage cars. The passage in the intake manifold that transfers the exhaust gases from the valve back into the engine plugges up. You can replace the valve and because the passage is plugged it still will not work properly. I'd have to know what trouble code is set in the computer to tell you what is wrong with it. There are tons of trouble codes that can set in the computer. if you stop at a auto parts store like autozone or advance will scan your engine computer for free and tell you what the code is. a tune up and an air filter more times that not will NOT fix a check engine light. good luck :)