The EGR valve on your Chevy Lumina allows some of the exhaust gases to enter the intake system. The exhaust gases mix and burn with the air and fuel mixture to help reduce exhaust emissions. However, if the diaphragm inside the valve ruptures or gets stuck, engine performance and fuel consumption may suffer. It's not too hard to replace the valve.
Open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable.
Locate the EGR valve on the engine compartment. The valve is located around the top and to one side of the engine. It's a small aluminum cylinder--about 2 to 3 inches in height and 1 to 2 inches in diameter--with an electrical connector and a pipe connected to it.
Unplug the EGR valve electrical connector.
Unscrew the two base-to-flange nuts or bolts, depending on the particular Chevy Lumina model you own. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Lift the EGR valve off the engine compartment and discard the valve gasket. If you own a 3.1-liter engine model, lift the adapter plate underneath the valve gasket and remove the adapter gasket as well.
Remove any gasket material left on the EGR valve-mating surface on the engine, using a plastic scraper to avoid damage to the surface and prevent any gas emissions leakage.
Clean the adapter plate using a plastic scraper as well, if you have a 3.1-liter engine model.
Set the new EGR valve in place, along with a new valve gasket.
Install a new adapter plate gasket as well if you have a 3.1-liter engine model.
Start the two base-to-flange nuts or bolts by hand to avoid damage to the threads
Tighten the two base-to-flange nuts or bolts using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Plug in the EGR valve electrical connector.
Connect the black, negative battery cable.
