ok, I'm throwing a 16 code. After reading several posts, I decided to remove and clean the EGR valve assembly. I have it here sitting in my hand and it looks as clean as a baby's behind before I have even touched it. There is an 'actuator' on the plastic part that looks like it would push in on a steel rod when voltage is supplied. The steel rod inside that looks to me like it should move if vacuum is applied or not applied? I can't get the steel rod to move. Am I looking at this thing right? How can I test the thing?

This is a 94 if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

The steel rod moves when vacuum is applied. You can test it using a vacuum pump.

FWIW I tried cleaning my EGR before doing the 12v relay trick and it only stopped the CEL for like a week. Apparently it's the passages for the EGR that become clogged easilly. I'd suggest you just do the 12v relay fix while you have everything off.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/question-about-12v-relay-fix-egr-345468/

 

Thanks BlueRex. I knew someone was going to suggest that, and that is the way I'd like to go. The problem is I'm an electrical dunce. I've read and reread the 12V relay links, and I still don't get it.

Looking at the diagram in the link you provided:

1) I cut the wire on the EGR side of the blue plug and run those wires to the new 12V relay., right?

2) Then I have to run wires from the Relay to the Solenoid harness. Where is the Solenoid harness? Do these wires already come out of it and go somewhere else?

3) Do I plug the blue plug back together after everything is connected?

4) Do I need to block the EGR after this install, or can I just let it there as is?

All help is much appreciated,
Jeff

 

The solenoid harness is under the upper intake manifold. Its hooked to the line of solenoids that have vac hoses all over them.

Yes, the blue egr switch plug gets hooked back into the engine harness.

You don't have to block off the EGR, but you can. It is up to you. If it ever gets stuck open you will have to take it off again. However, since you're cutting the wires off of it - the ECU is never going to know if it is there or not.

I'm having the same problem (I have a 94 as well). The EGR itself is functioning, but the switch that tells the ECU it opens is no longer working. I've heard that due to the heat the switch contacts develop a glaze that prevents them from working correctly. To test the actual EGR valve you will need a vacuum tester - they're available to rent at AutoZone.

-Charlie

 

1) Yep, the 12v relay that you buy should have a diagram of how to wire it. Just look at the diagram spooledup7 provided it will all make sense.

2) It's under the UIM. The EGR solenoid is yellow. You will need to run 2 wires with male connectors from the relay and plug it into the yellow solenoid.

3) Yes.

4) You can leave the EGR in place it will still function (if it was working before). Either way the EGR is not necessary and it was removed on 95 RX-7s so it won't really matter what you do with it.

 

Awesome information guys. I think I finally understand it. Is there any way to reach the yellow solenoid without taking the UIM off? I was hoping to avoid that.

Thanks again,
Jeff

 

None that I can fathom. And in order to avoid removing half the rats nest to get to it I removed the 4 vacuum hoses that are in line and reached it through there. In the pics I posted in the link you'll see that they were blue when I put it all back together.