Just replaced my fuel pump in my 97 park ave over the weekend, (due to a bad sensor) everything is workin, but I also had a P1406 code constantly coming up..... after the pump change the code went away... Whats up with that?

I don't think the two are related, just coincidental.

You need to determine if the EGR solenoid is working as it should, or if you have a problem with the reference circuit, if both of those are fine the EGR port may be clogged somewhere around the intake manifold area.
I tried to find some good info on here, but all I could find was info on how to test if the solenoid is functioning.
I did find a really good video on the problem though.


Does the car run really rough now, or no change in idle?
Also, does your cruise control still function properly?
I ask because I am pretty sure the reference circuit is shared with the same fuse that controls the cruise control, if you can test and verify the solenoid functions, and verify if the reference circuit is getting 5 volts, if the reference circuit is not getting 5 volts then I'd check the fuse for that first, it may be fuse #5, but I am not sure as I do not have a diagram handy.
If it is not the fuse you may have a wiring problem, which will require a diagram, I'll see if I can find one.

the egr is often intermittent when its starting to go, sometimes it seals sometimes not

This is such a common code that comes up, in my experience. Do most owners just clean it as best as possible? That seems to work.

Or, is a new EGR available from GM or Rock Auto and best way to go in the long run?

They are available on RockAuto for from 60.00 to 154.00, I'd avoid the cheaper ones and go with AC Delco personally, I am sure one of the others would work well, I just have always preferred AC Delco.
Of course I'd always try to clean it first, as they are not relatively cheap.

More often than not, this code is caused by the pintle position sensor differing from the commanded position....this could be caused by carbon not allowing the valve to completely close, a blockage in the exhaust forcing exhaust gases to unseat the pintle, or a bad EGR....