How to: Clean your CX-7 EGR (Speed 3 based instructions, but should help)

[Raider]

EDIT: This is for people who want to retain the EGR. You can block it off and clear the CEL through AccessPort if you want. I elected not to, as I do not have an AccessPort.

I got a P0401 CEL at 51K miles on my 2007 Speed 3 the other day after 2 or 3 days of slow starts, where it would crank a while before firing up. Guy at Advanced who read the code said EGR was clogged, a $430 part from the dealer. Having owned a Protege 5, I knew what a stuck EGR was like, and how it can be cleaned, but no how-to posted yet for the Speed3 apparently. I read a few threads online, and here especially, so I am posting here first to share. This is how I did it. Feel free to do it differently if you feel like it. This is probably not the only way to do it. It is just how I did it. Don't like it? Well, sorry I guess. A 10 and 8mm deep and shallow socket, pliers, a 22mm wrench, flat blade and Philips screwdrivers, Brake Parts cleaner, and some coolant will be needed. Oh,and a person with skinny fingers.

1st, it is not that hard to do if you know a little bit on working on our cars already.

1st, where is the EGR. It is here:




Now what to do. To start, remove your OEM TMIC, battery and battery box. Also remove your turbo inlet pipe. loosen the top on the coolant overflow tank. Put a rag in the turbo.
The EGR is the silver thing with the black plastic on top. The pipe with 2 bolts coming out to the left of it is the EGR pipe.

There is a hose coming out of the back of the EGR, held on with a clamp. Pull the clamp back, disconnect the hose from the EGR, and let the coolant drain. You will lose a quart or so, the overflow will be empty.


Remove the 2 bolts holding the EGR on, and pull it out. Here is the EGR with the gasket on it. You cannot see it, but there is carbon inside, Nasty, but comes out easy.


Now go up tho the front to the throttle body. You may make a mess if you have not already removed the coolant lines from the throttle body like I did. If you did not, do it now.


Remove the throttle body by taking out the 4 bolts:


Remove the 2 bolts holding the back part of the EGR pipe on



Now use that 22mm wrench, loosen the bolt holding the front part of the EGR pipe now visible:


remove the pipe:


Admire the nice pile of carbon in front of the pipe.



Feel free to blow compressed air through the pipe while it is removed. If clogged, use a coat hanger or something, and get out as much as you can. You might need to take it to a mechanic to get it dipped in parts cleaner if you do not have it.

Skipped pics, but remove the 4 screws holding the plastic top of the EGR valve. Don't strip or break them. They are as a strong as Dollar Tree trash bags.

There is a plunger. It is stuck. spray with brake cleaner on the holes, until clean, Scrape out carbon if needed.

Then reinstall everything.
The end.

[Headbasha]

Here are my pictures of cleaning it on the CX7

YouTube - egr pipe valve dirty

YouTube - egr pipe valve dirty

[Raider]

Thanks for the extra pics!

[mjonesjr8]

Originally Posted by Headbasha Here are my pictures of cleaning it on the CX7 YouTube - egr pipe valve dirty

Hey i'm in adamsville, Al saw you post about cleaning the valve, how hard of job is this? mY wife's cx7 is throwing this code.

thanks
Morris

[Raider]

Welcome! Check out post #1, has all the details. IF you are mechanically inclined, you can do it.

[mjonesjr8]

Originally Posted by Raider Welcome! Check out post #1, has all the details. IF you are mechanically inclined, you can do it.

Great thanks,

we have nothing but mazda's in the family lol


'09 RX8 R3
'07 MX-5
'09 CX-7

[Raider]

R3's are badass. I will probably get a rotary next, and with kids, an RX-8 is probably in the plans.

If you have OEM Nav, consider donating the $25 for VIP access. The 2011 Nav update is posted here to download and burn. It will also give you access to the buy/sell section, where things like exhaust systems and intakes are for sale by members. Pre-owned and big cost savings! Yes, she wants an exhaust, she just does not know it!

[Indierocker7]

Thanks for the write-up and pics! This was a huge help, since my wife's CX-7 just threw a p0401 code. It was a lot of work for me (a novice) but after 50 miles the code has not come back. Probably need to do a Sea Foam treatment next to clean the rest of the gunk out.

Cheers!

[mjonesjr8]

ditto I just did my wife's cx-7 ydat major PIA but, if it works worth the work.

thanks again

'09 RX8 R3
'07 MX-5
'09 CX-7

[Raider]

Happy to help! If it helps, please consider making a donation to MSF, or going VIP.

[dwdpt]

2007 CX-7 2.3 MFI turbo DOHC 75,000 miles
I performed the egr valve cleaning service as outlined. I had no problems and it went smoothly.

Now when I start the engine it will idle but it has no power and the rpm's will not go above 2000. It is like something is limiting the rev's.

Also the CEL is still on

Before the egr service, the CEL was on and I got the po401 EGR code, but the engine ran well.

Will the computer limit the rev's as a protective measure or something or did I break something ?

Any advice ?........... before I have it towed to the dealer Thanks

[Raider]

Something is obviously not connected.

1) Small hose from the TIP to the boost control solenoid, connected?
2) MAF- connected?

Post up pics.

For sure, something is not connected.

[dwdpt]

I will check it all again

thanks

[mjonesjr8]

Yeah sounds like a vac line or something
Might be off.

[Raider]

Any update?

[dwdpt]

Well I finally figured it out.

Somehow 2 of the wires going to the female part of the throttle body connector ended up deep into the plastic connector. When I snapped it back on the wires were so far into the female part of the connector they were not making contact with the male part. I pushed the 2 wires forward into the female part of the connector snapped it in place rechecked the wires to make sure that they were all the way into the connector and it is running fine.

The CEL has gone off and all seems well.

Now I have to deal with the dreaded VVT start up noise problem. I am trying to make a decision about this situation.

It is a 2007 CX-7 Grand Touring Edition, Black with grey leather interior in all in excellent condition. 75,540 miles the VIN# is in the range of the TSB for the VVT start up noise debacle.

I have fixed the oil cooler leak problem and the EGR/CEL problem. What’s next with this engine ?

It needs tires, $800 and the VVT problem $1400 fixed.

In your opinion, it worth putting the $2200 into it, or should I trade it off as is ?

I also got a price for the Mazda MEPP Primary Care Plan. The 24000 miles / 2 year warranty costs $1663 with a $100 deductible.

What’s you opinion on an extended warranty?

Tires $800 + VVT $1400 + MEPP $1700 = $3900

Trade in value is around $9,500

Any advice would be appreciated

[Raider]

The only issues really with these cars have been the AC Compressor, VVT, turbo seals, and EGR issue.

I priced our 07 GT with Tech at 88K ended at $12,000 trade-in.

If you do not want to put another dime into the car, trade it in. Just make sure you fully inspect it before buying, whatever it is.

[skeeter149]

Originally Posted by rs4playseo The building Lord really invincible, thought very have routines.

wtf kinda vooda wishwash gibrish shit is this? just reading sent me on a fucking acid trip and caused me to lose iq points. wtf?? troll maybe i cant tell this shit made me dumb!

[nafteli]

Raider would you recommend doing this or using seafoam first?

[Raider]

Get the chevron techron fuel system cleaner, the large one. Use it for a tank and then if still on, clean it.

[nafteli]

Just spent the last 2.5 hours doing this task.. it was hell lol. but much thanks for the post it saved me about $730!

[Raider]

Glad it worked! Please consider donating $25 to the forum. Gets you VIP access, lots more info!

[dgillie]

Originally Posted by dwdpt Well I finally figured it out. Somehow 2 of the wires going to the female part of the throttle body connector ended up deep into the plastic connector. When I snapped it back on the wires were so far into the female part of the connector they were not making contact with the male part. I pushed the 2 wires forward into the female part of the connector snapped it in place rechecked the wires to make sure that they were all the way into the connector and it is running fine. The CEL has gone off and all seems well. Now I have to deal with the dreaded VVT start up noise problem. I am trying to make a decision about this situation. It is a 2007 CX-7 Grand Touring Edition, Black with grey leather interior in all in excellent condition. 75,540 miles the VIN# is in the range of the TSB for the VVT start up noise debacle. I have fixed the oil cooler leak problem and the EGR/CEL problem. What’s next with this engine ? It needs tires, $800 and the VVT problem $1400 fixed. In your opinion, it worth putting the $2200 into it, or should I trade it off as is ? I also got a price for the Mazda MEPP Primary Care Plan. The 24000 miles / 2 year warranty costs $1663 with a $100 deductible. What’s you opinion on an extended warranty? Tires $800 + VVT $1400 + MEPP $1700 = $3900 Trade in value is around $9,500 Any advice would be appreciated

my extended warranty has covered a new turbo, ac comoressor, and vvt service all for about $300. also if you shop onkine you can find decent tires for about $600. just a thought

[bsnyder]

Cleared my cel but now my tcs light flashes. Any thoughts?

[Raider]

Drive it over 40 mph?

[Raider]

Of not, drive.

[bsnyder]

Actually have not.drivin. Will do thanks.

[DoMiNic]

That is one sexy short/jacket combo.... Not helping the man crush I have on you Raider. Its mostly your power I,m attracted to but also the stitching on the 1992 starter jacket. You got beard rubbin credit with me big guy,





Nice write up.

[Project_dog]

With 77k on my cx7. Should I do this?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

[Raider]

Only if getting P0401. Just throw in some Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner tho, helps me out.

[Project_dog]

I have no cel on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

[Raider]

Then drive on, sir.

[mazafoger]

i got p0401 code and autozone guy told me egr and clear code for me so i take off egr valve check resistances and pipe and trottlebuddy clean but i did not found any clog now i don't have that strong boost kick like before check engine pup up . any idea??? 2009 65k

[Raider]

Follow the steps on cleaning it. The pipe or the egr is clogged, or egr is sticking.

[psunikki]

I got the wretched p0401 code and gave it a stab at cleaning the egr valve. Now my car is making an odd sound like air leaking out of a balloon when the rpms hit 2500 and I am accelerating. Soon as I take my foot off gas sound stops. Once I get going fast enough like cruising speed on highway it stops ven ifd at 2500 rpms. Any idea of what I did wrong? So frustrated.

[Raider]

Loose clamp somewhere.

[bkdow]

I'm new here and newish to Mazda. I have a question about SeaFoaming: Do I disconnect the brake booster and just let 6 oz just get sucked in?

[Raider]

Brake booster. BUT, now we know it does NOTHING to improve anything, don't waste time and money. Clean the egr and be done.

[bkdow]

Poo

[bkdow]

Dealer wants $860 and my local guy wants $1,000 to replace it. UGH!! Anyone got an idea?