2005 Dakota 4.7L 40kmiles, auto 4X4, check engine lite had
P0404 Code, Egr valve, egr pressure sensor, egr position sensor, open or short crkt condition were possible solutions.

Anyone have any background on this model yr, which ones might be able to diagnose from backyard garage? or are parts available from parts house? (didnt find them so far), or is this problem better left to the pro's?

thanks for any tips or tricks,,,,,,,,,

 

Until those with more "in the know" on that particular model, here is a generic diagnosis. Locate the EGR valve. It will be open on the bottom. You can place your finger directly on the diaphragm from the bottom. While you do this, rev and release the engine. At the point halfway through the down rev, the diaphragm should lift and lower. If it isn't doing that, check the vacuum line to the EGR. If it is providing good vacuum, I would replace the EGR valve before proceeding to the more expensive stuff. Once you have the EGR valve off, you will probably see alot of carbon buildup in and around the hole in the manifold. It will need cleaning, but be careful to vacuum out the hole once you have finished chipping away the carbon deposits. You don't want those particles getting into the top of a piston.