My 98 Acura cl 3.0 has 141000 miles and it has a tough time idling when started again after being turned off after a 30minute drive. Today the check engine light came on after it dies. I drove home from work ran inside to change and came ou to leave and that's when it happened. I know I should have the code checked out but after research I'm guessing it's the carbon build up in the egr port and not the actual valve. How much should I expect to pay to have it cleaned?

I regretfully go to the dealer because of their hours. I know anyone who know a bit could do this, hell I could probably do if I just don't want to mess up.

Anyone else have an advice on the rough start when warm? Thanks so much.

 

There was a recall that should be good up to 150K miles, check that out and see if you're eligible. If not, there's a how to to clean it on here. It's 2 bolts, and some carb cleaner

 

Do not guess, Find out what the engine code is and then fix the issue if possible and see if that fixes your poor idling after the car is warmed up.

 

id like to know where its at on the 2.2, its been idling bad, and the other day she stalled on me in neutral. right after that it threw up a code for the egr. doesnt matter right now tho, because somethings up with the hydraulic clutch system atm so im fixing that first. lol

 

My '99 CL 2.3 with 160K miles was showing code PO401 (insufficient EGR flow).

I researched it here and on google and found instructions and videos on how to clean the passages in the intake manifold.
It's easy, I was careful and it took me about an hour. Didn't hurt the gaskets and reused them.
It looked like mine was completely closed off with carbon buildup.
The CEL hasn't come back.

 

This is endemic to these cars, and Honda's of the same year. I have had mine off several times to clean it and it continues to pop the CEL on. Cleaning may not correct the problem, but does help air flow.

 

Mine was throwing the insufficient flow code. I replaced the EGR three times before coming across a YouTube video on a fix. Basically you buy a speedometer cable from your local auto parts store (you want the one without a plastic sheath). Attach it to a drill, and run it down the port holes once you have the EGR removed, I did this while spraying carb cleaner into the port at the same time. (A LOT CAME OUT!). Cranked it it up for a few seconds to blow it out. Put the EGR back on. No code since last summer! If yours is as bad as mine was, then you might miss the tiny port that is clogged up.
Here is a YouTube link, different car but same concept.

 

A couple of years ago I took off the plenum and cleaned it thoroughly. Best do it yourself project i ever did.