Toyota Repair: EGR diagonostic code, toyota camary, egr system

Question
Hi,

Went to checker auto today because my check engine light has been on for about 6 months.  My car hasn't been acting or sounding any differently but when he put that diagonostic machine thingie on there he got a EGR valve code.  The part cost 164.99.  I'm planning on going on a road trip thru the Arizona desert, should I be concerned?  What is the appproximate cost to repair this problem?  Is it something that I could do myself?  My car is a 1999 Toyota Camary LE, 4 valve.  Any information you can give me would be very helpful!

Answer
You didn't tell me what part they recommend replacing, from experience I can tell you that most of the time it is the EGR modulator valve that goes bad, it's located on top of the EGR valve and has three small vavuum hoses attached to it, it is only about $70.00 and can easily be replaced with just a small pair of pliers to pull the hoses off then it can be pulled out of the bracket, if this valve malfunctions the EGR system becomes inoperative and even though it does not affect driveability I recommed taking care of this before a long trip.