1999 Saturn SC2

TSTERNER

MEMBER
1999 SATURN SC2

Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Saturn SC2 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my check engine light keeps coming on. My scanner shows P1404-IAT Circuit Malfuntion EGR Closed Position My Chilton Repair Manual doesnt show this number. I can turn the light off and most times it stays off for quite some time. It usually comes on when driving in town.I havent any testers, so does anyone know any shadetree shortcuts to check before Im forced to send it to shop where everyone knows it will cost a small fortune just to look at. Louie, if you are reading this, HELP!

7 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

U said u have a p1404 which is I belive is exhaust gas flow something like that.U also said something about iat inlet air temp do u have a code for that because that has nothing to do with ur egr. As far as egr goes I would remove ur egr turn it over get a little screwdriver or pick and slowly push down on the plunger aka pintle and see if it is sticky when trying to push it down or releasing from the closed postion. Also bottom it out firmly and slowly release it see if it sticks open. Also while u have it off u can get some good cleaner that eats carbon up like maybe a spray open up the valve spray it in let it soak in there upside down for a while the longer the better. Also before u put it back on start the car up it should be loud and the rpm should raise up quickly that will clear some carbon and also make sure ur passage way isn't clogged up causing the code. Let it run like maybe 5-10 seconds. Let me know what u find.

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 2:52 PM

TSTERNER

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Glad to here from you again Louie. Its been raining here for three days now. I will take the egr off like you suggest once it stops raining. My manual states not to wash or soak egr in any solvents or degreasers. Would spraying it as you suggest do any damage? My scanner shows P-1404 IAT-B Circut Malfunction. EGR Closed Position Perform. This is exactly what it states my friend. Has me a bit confused also. Going to parts store today to get egr gasket so Im ready when the rain stops Will add once Ive done what you have suggested As always Louie, Thank You so very much.

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Sunday, March 14th, 2010 AT 1:27 PM

SATURNTECH9

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I have only seen that code p1404 on the factory scanners and it says something like exhuast gas flow not what ur showing.I have soaked the egr valves before. If ur not comfortable soaking it I would atleast spray some good carbon eater on it and allow it to eat up that carbon. Let's give that a try.I have reused the gaskets as well but that's up to u if u want to replace it.U and the weather lol I know what that's like though I used to live in upstate ny that's some crazy weather. Let me know what u find.

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Sunday, March 14th, 2010 AT 2:02 PM

TSTERNER

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Ok Louie I have taken the egr off twice now. The first time the pintle stuck when pushed in and slowly released. I thought I had it fixed, but the check engine light came on again after about 50 miles Borrowed another scanner which shows a code p1404. Egr valve closed pintle pos./Egr valve stuck open/fault on the proffessor mode. Took back off again and resoaked as you suggested and started engine with egr off too. It looked as though the egr and solenoid doesnt come apart, so I did the best I could. Light is still coming on and I shut it off while driving and after about 15 miles its back on again. Do you have any more suggestions that I can try? Thanks my friend

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 4:08 PM

SATURNTECH9

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If the pintle was sticking half way u found ur problem u can't always clean them out sounds like u have alot of carbon in it. If it's that carboned up and u can't clean it all u can really do is replace it. Shop around there kinda pricey. Let me know how it goes.