I have been told that the problem with my car relating to the engine management light being on is due to the EGR Valve. This has been reset a couple of times but the light keep coming on. It has been of no consequence (just driven 300 miles there and back on holiday). However, I have been told by an RAC man that this is commonly due to doing lots of short journeys and eventually my car will begin to spill out black smoke if it is not sorted out. I am a community midwife so this explanation is very true to my driving habits. He also told me there is no need to replace this valve which is approximately £60.00 but it can be taken out and cleaned out. Can someone tell me where it is? Thanks!

VALERIE SHILTON, July 2006

TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST WITH YOU MY DEAR . YOURE BEST BET IS NOT TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE HERE GO TO YOURE LOCAL FORD DEALER I.E HAYNES AND BUY A FORD MANUAL THIS WILL TELL YOU WERE EGR VALVE IS BUT I WOULDNT RECOMEND CLEANING YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY NEW ONE FROM HAYNES .BUT IF YOU WANT TRY CLEANING FIRST THIS UP TO YOU . BUT THIS CAN BE VERY HARD TRICKY JOB AS INSIDE EGR VALVE IS A FINE LOOKS LIKE WIRE IF YOU BREAK THE CAR WILL RUN WORSE . SO YOULL HAVE TO HAVE FAIR AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CAR MECHANICS IF YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND OR A HUSBAND GET HIM TO TAKE LOOK .

MR FOSBERRY, February 2007