I have a 2005 Pacifica with the 3.5L engine and all wheel drive. I generally love this vehicle. Recently the engine light came on and the code indicates an EGR error. I can see the EGR on the back of the engine, driver's side of the engine. How do you get to the 4 bolts holding the EGR in place? The space looks REALLY cramped. Thanks for the help.

 

u fight your way through it use swivel 1/4 inch sockets
and ratchet wrenches

 

Thank you for the advice. The job is done.

Well, that was not one of the more enjoyable home mechanic repairs. This took some time and you are going to have your right arm wrenched into the space between the engine and the battery / brakes. The small bolts holding the tube across the back are 8mm. The bolts holding the main body of the EGR are 10mm. I found a few tools essential. You need a 8mm box end (or combo) wrench, a 10 mm gear wrench (ratcheting wrench), a 4" long 1/4" socket extension, a 1/4" 360 swivel, and a 1/4 socket driver. The factory bolts are VERY tight. I had to break them free with the wrenches. It is awkward, but any movement counts. Then, with the 1/4" drive, 4" extension, 360 swivel and 8mm socket, you can reach the two 8mm bolts from the rear of the engine (snake it in between the tubes). I found laying across the engine helped get the right position. One the 8mm bolts are removed, you must break the 10 mm with a wrench. I used the gear wrench on the back one and it was the only way I could get to it with enough force. Also, the gear wrenches are a little longer than the standard 10 mm wrench (which really helps on this case). Then, replace the 8mm socket with the 10mm socket (keep the extension and swivel) and go under the exhaust pipe to get to the 10mm bolts. With the bolts out, slide the red tab on the electrical connector open, press on the release (top, wire side) and pull the connector off. You can push the hoses out of the way to get the EGR out. Installation is reverse. Be careful with the screws and tool, dropping them causes big delays (trust me). I used a small amount of tape to hold the screws onto the sockets until they started. Seat the bolts evenly. Then reset the code in the car (go to major auto store to borrow code reader if you don't have one).