p1404 error need help

[chevies4ver]

OK guy's/gals i have a 98 s-10 ext cab with a 4.3 with 5 speed engine is a x series if it matters. i have been getting a 1404 error and have tried everything we have replaced the egr valve with a new one from dealer. i have replaced the computer the idle air control valve the throttle position sensor o/2 sensors and the rubber seals on the intake under the throttle body and the plastic cover which bolts on intake i am now being told to take to dealer and have the computer skewed what ever that is. i am tired of people saying this will fix it and it doesn't I told dealership OK I'll let u skew it but if it don't fix it either give me my money back or get ready for a butt kicking i am burned out and none of my normal mechanic has a clue what to try can anybody here help me i need to get it inspected and it won't pass with the ses on. one more thing when u go to change gears there is a hesitation in throttle response. the computer was purchased from NAPA and i checked with them they said it would have all the latest updates from GM installed and from the info i have found the last update for a 98 s-10 for 4.3 was in the year 2000. So i would think that and computer purchased this past summer would have that update in it.

Please help me somebody.
Chevies4ver

[Sparky2263]

A P1404 is an error in the EGR valve at it's closed position. It is a type "A" DTC meaning it will turn the ses lamp on immediately upon occurence. It sets the code because the computer is expecting to see 0% actual value (because it commanded 0%) open and it doesn't. Meaning the EGR is either stuck open or the computer is reading the sensor values wrong (doubtful, but it happens).

Most likely cause is carbon getting stuck in the egr valve holding it open. If that is the case, you would have a rough idle when it happens. One fix for this is the Tomco "Clean Screen" gasket. Here's the link. http://www.tomco-inc.com/ Only problem with this fix is that the screen will become clogged occaisionally requiring periodic cleaning.

Here's the sad part. It is a very easy code to diagnose. Why you are having such a hard time getting it fixed is perplexing. Very common problem with very common fixes.

Those of us that take it to the redline on a regular basis (blowing it out?) don't have carbon build-up problems. Sea-foam is used to clean the carbon out but to get ALL the egr passage cleaned out means you have to have a scan tool to command the egr valve open while doing the sea-foam cleaning.

We have a sticky on this site on how to perform a sea-foam cleaning.

Let us know how it works out.

[chevies4ver]

Sparkey2226, I still have the error i have did a sea foam clean and also replaced the egr gasket with the screen one and replaced athe egr valve with one from dealer any othe ideas.

chevies4ver

[Sparky2263]

Find someone that is proficient at repairing driveability issues. As I said, not that hard to do.