Well it finally happened. The Peoples Republic of California is requiring me to submit my beloved oil burner for a smog check to renew my registration. One problem, I had unplugged my EGR valve years ago and wasn't bothered too much by the ever present CEL. The State however, IS bothered by it. So I plugged the EGR back in and cleared the codes (P0404, and P0405) and that should do it right ? Wrong, The CEL came back on so I removed the EGR valve and gave it a good cleaning, popped it back in and The codes came back again. Thinking the valve had sat idle too long, I replaced it. I cleared the codes (again) and quickly drove it to the smog check station. It's not just a visual inspection under hood and for visible smoke like I was told they do in Nevada and Utah, they plug into the OBDII port and check the computer. Their magic socialist machine said the test sample for the EGR wasn't long enough and the happy slave of the state said to go drive it "50 miles or so". As if the check itself didn't cost enough,now I have to go burn more of my precious fuel. My question is, If after replacing my EGR and driving the requested miles ,the CEL comes back on with the same codes, what do I check next ? It is a 2003 F250 with about 250,000 trouble free miles on it. Totally stock including the codes.

 

I think you should be good to go but if the light/code come back the next place to check is for a harness short or a defective new valve.

 

Well the new EGR valve did the trick and after driving 50 miles, the States computer passed me. So now I can unplug the new EGR and be good for another two years.

 

And then buy another new egr cause that one froze up from no use. Don't know what your saving by unplugging it. Certainly not money.

 

I hope they do not start emission control in my area, these are really anoying with our trucks.

 

Mine was done last month. Absolutely no problen except for the 57 bucks to have it done.

 

your issue was casued by not having all moniters completed.
state inspection in Texas for your diesel $15

 

You also need to leave the EGR valve plugged in it affects fan operation so you run the risk of Overheat

read this stuff

Unplugged EGR VALVE & the problems that follow
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...egr-valve.html

I am surprised your 03 even Lit the CEL for an EGR Valve unplugged

Did you buy the truck in CA

Or has the dealer reflashed the computer since 03

I have an 03 and never got a CEL for an unplugged or Deleated EGR Valve is why I ask

thanks Benny

 

03 California flashed trucks got a CEL for just about anything emissions related, EGR included.

 

As should be. Anyone that has been here since the early 60's can physically see the diff. in the air. When I was in high school you couldn't see the end of our block from the brown haze. I don't like the hassle any more than anyone else, however anyone that says it doesn't do any good is either on drugs, blind or in self denial.

 

I feel sorry for those that have to deal with C.A.R.B. I really don't see how a state can make up there own rules for fedral emissions . First the CRUISE ships leave and not to long the shipping ports will be empty beacause of C.A.R.B. . Look at all those lost jobs and soon more . I have an option to go their but won't because I have to register my ECM with C.A.R.B. , soon all the food industry will have to shuutle their produce to ARIZONA or NEVADA because nobody wants to go there.

 

If we can get another 4 or 5 million to leave the state the traffic won't be so bad either. Long Beach/L.A. ports are the 2nd busiest in the U.S. if your curious.

 

Not to go further off topic or into the realm of politics, but to answer your question.

The Federal Gov't sets the minimum standard for compliance. States are free to go beyond that if they wish, and several have.

 

They didn't plug into my obd2....that's strange. It was a visual of the egr valve and catalytic converter.

 

Depends on the state. Ca. does an opacity test from what I've read. Had mine done at the dealer so didn't see it done.