EGR valve issue
 

Just got my codes read following my check engine light coming on. I have code P0404. EGR system fault. Under probable causes, the slip says: 1. Failed EGR position sensor, 2. Open or short circuit condition, 3. Failed EGR valve, 4. Failed EGR pressure sensor where applicable, or 5. Failed EGR position sensor where applicable. The Autozone guy says that a failed EGR valve is the most likely of these. Where is the valve located, and is it something that can be done at home, or requires the hand of a mechanic? Car is a 2002 Saturn SL1, 1.9 SOHC engine, automatic transmission

Watch this video by richpin6 from youtube. You'll probably need to start with removing your air filter, and air hose to the throttle body first. Then you'll see the EGR valve. I'd try cleaning it and the intake port before just replacing it. If the port is "coked up" you might get by with just cleaning them and then reassembling. Post back and let us know what you do.

Thanks Rube! Will be looking at that soon. I'm hoping that a cleaning will suffice, since I found out the EGR valve costs on the order of $135

check the wiring/harness for corrosion. sometimes the electronics in the top of the sensor fry...if so, new egr, but many folks get by a long while as long as you dont damage the pintle in the center during cleanings. If you burn alot of oil, you'll find this gunks up more quickly.

Not burning oil to my knowledge (knocking on every piece of wood within reach). I've had the car less than two weeks now.

In that case I would continue to keep a close eye on the oil level until you become familiar with its needs, if any. One of the easiest ways to kill a Saturn is to let the oil drop too low.

And don't run 5W-30 in it. I keep 10W-30 in mine and on one I had with over 250,000 miles on it, I ran 10W-40. I don't know if it gets much colder in Ohio than it does here, but 10W-30 is what I run year round in my Saturn and Dodge Grand Caravan. No cold weather starting problems at all.

They're that bad on oil? I made sure I didn't see any oil leaking before I purchased it

I think the concern is how much oil does it burn.

I've only had the car less than two weeks, but as far as I can tell, it doesn't burn oil. There's none of the tell-tale white smoke, and the dipstick level is good