EGR problem... ok to drive?

[Earnhardt132000]

SES light shows code P1406, EGR valve. This happened just after I installed a new cat. My car was running great right after the cat was put on, but ever since the light came on (about 2 days after the cat was installed) it has run a little worse. Now I know the vavle is probably stuck or corroded or something, but I'm wondering if its ok to drive with it that way. Tonight my friend and I are going to the drag strip, and tomorrow we are supposed to go to a casino. I don't want to make him drive both trips, since the drag strip is about 1 hour and the casino is a little over 2. So is it ok to drive my car this distance with this problem? Also, I get a foul smell after parking my car in my driveway. It smells really bad and is pretty overwhelming, but goes away after a few seconds. Could it be the new cat? Or is it something else? Thanks for any input :).

[vanbibber]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

what kind of smell is it?

[97rs4life]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

the new smell is most likely the cat burning in since it is new.

[Earnhardt132000]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

The smell is a really foul smell, almost like someone farted haha. Like I said, it goes away after a few seconds, but its overwhelming when you do smell it. My light has gone off as well, I'm not sure if this means the valve is working again, or it just felt like turning off...

[Jay8302]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

I had the same problem take off you EGR valve and spray it down with carboration cleaner and the problem should be fixed if not try sea foam both you can get at auto zone

[ReD715]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

The smell is a really foul smell, almost like someone farted haha. Like I said, it goes away after a few seconds, but its overwhelming when you do smell it. My light has gone off as well, I'm not sure if this means the valve is working again, or it just felt like turning off...

Usually when it smells like rotten eggs, it means you have a bad cat. Maybe your cat was bad before you put it on?

Is the smell only present when you park the car or all the time even when its running?

My $.02

[Earnhardt132000]

Re: EGR problem... ok to drive?

The problem seems to only happen when I park in my own driveway. I think its because I park next to some bushes, and the smell is coming off the cat on the passenger side, bouncing off the bushes and bringing it my way from under the car. I never smell it at a stop light or anyone elses driveway. I guess I'll get the EGR valve checked out and if it continues I'll look into a new cat.