Ford Repair: check engine light, egr valve replacement, fuel light

Question
2004 freestar 87000 miles....ran gas tank low....fuel light came on...and so did the check engine light. Code states egr valve replacement...happened to purchase a new battery at the time....(reset light) hoping it went away....continue to drive...week later, while low fuel again ( light ) check engine light is back on also...is it egr valve or something to do with running tank low of gas? can an inexperienced mechanic (me)swap valve out? or should I let Ford do it...i plan on keeping the vehicle long term.Can this valve be removed and cleaned?

Answer
I wouldn't necessarily take it to Ford.There are a whole lot of good garages out there.I always tell people to go with word of mouth.If I am not mistaken the EGR valve is hard to get to on you're van.You also have to consider you might break a bolt off.They are exhaust bolts.Go to the parts store.Look at what it looks like.You are you're own best critic.It is only held on with two bolts.