Sorry I posted this in newcomers by mistake

Hi guys and gals! I have a problem with my 87 Bonny. I just had it safety inspected here in Alberta and they did some work on it - struts - brake line. Nothing major. I inherited it from my Dad and it has very low mileage.

Anyway after getting it fixed and my son installing a new battery and alternator, the first time I drove it the check engine light came on. So back to the garage and they said it was the EGR Solonaid which they said they fixed - said it was stuck open a quarter.

First time driving it again and there'* that ole check engine light. It comes on after about 10 minutes of driving. The guy at the garage said if it came on again to ignore it.! The car is running great and the guages are all normal.

Anyway what I would like to know is if I can access the codes myself. My son is quite handy with old cars and I'm sure he could solve the problem. I'm tapped out after spending 2K in the past week on a car that is supposedly in mint condition. Help!!

Click on the tech info link at the top, and there is a proceedure to read the codes. Then get back with us and we will gladly help you.

I am not sure if they used the electronic solenoids for the EGR on that year, but it wouldn't hurt to check the ports in the manifold and EGR valve for blockage.

Thanks I appreciate any help I can get. I wil try and check the codes tomorrow. I am autophobic but maybe at 60 this old gal will learn some new tricks - or my son will!

Really stupid question but I was supposed to go to the mountains this weekend. Is what the guy at the garage said right and I will do no damage by driving it this way?? Maybe just use a lot more fuel than normal??

It could affect the fuel mileage and emissions. I don't see it having a harmful effect, but it should be looked at. Was this a reputable garage? I would not expect a mechanic to tell you it is nothing. If it was the EGR, what did he do to fix it? Was it cleaned or replaced?

A new EGR valve runs around $80 us. He should have replaced it if it was faulty.

The EGR has exhaust gases flowing through it and therefore it can easily get clogged with carbon deposits.

I would try getting the codes before anything else though.

They did replace it. It cost 150 Canadian (for the part). I will NOT be using this garage again. As I said they are one of the few that are authorized to do safety checks on out-of-province vehicles so they must be certified. Thanks for the info. I wil check the codes.

Could it be that the fuel injection system is causing this. My Dad probably hasn't had it cleaned for a long time.

I think the first place to look is to pull the codes. Please let us know what you find.

For the most part, the computer doesen't know the fuel injectors even exist. The only thing it can do is check the O2 sensor AFTER combustion to see if there are problems.

Conjecture at this point is only going to be a conversation, and no help whatsoever. We need codes.

If the shop replaced the EGR valve, check the connections. If the code comes back for EGR, return to the shop and make them fix it. It'* not to be ignored. If it works properly, it won't throw a code.

Thanks Great advice. I hear you really I do!