EGR Valve

I just relocated from Metairie, LA to Lafayette, LA. I travel the interstate back and forth at least twice a month. Yesterday when leaving Lafayette for Metairie the check engine light came on in my car. I have a 1996 Buick Lesabre with about 90,000 miles on it. Since it was Sunday, my options were limited. I did not want to get on the road and get stranded so I went to Auto Zone and had them check my battery and alternator ( both checked out ok). They hooked up a hand held computer and cancelled the check engine light and took a code from the hand held computer and determined that my problem was the EGR valve. The exact print out shows the code definition as EGR valve pintle position circuit.It gives an explanation as EGR pintle position was 10% of the expected position. Then it gives the probable cause as failed EGR valve, open or short circuit condition. Could someone explain what this is and let me know if I would be safe to drive the car back to Metairie from Lafayette (about a 2 hour drive)? I would perfer to have the mechanic I use in Metairie check the car out since I haven't been in Lafayette long enough to know any dependable car mechanics. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks, Debby

 

it should be fine to drive back
most likely the egr valve is not in the position the pcm expects it to be probably sticking and needa a new egr valve

 

Thank you for the information. I now feel comfortable taking the car on the road. Is this a costly repair job? I appreciate your help. Debby

 

The EGR valve itself will cost around $200 or more, plus the installation labor. The valve sits on top of the engine up in front so it should be an easy fix. That means they'll charge you and arm and a leg.