1996 olds cutlass 3.1 EGR Valve ?
 

I have a 1996 Cutlass 3.1. Engine light on,car surges at idle.I was told egr valve.If this is it,can it be cleaned or do I have to replace.Thank you all for your input.Bob J

I've heard of people cleaning them with good success. Did you get the codes read?

Thanks,I did not at this time ,but I am having my mechanic who has a computer to diagnose it. I had swung by his place with the car to ask and just by how it was running I thought maybe EGR and he confirmed although we did not retreive the code.Trying to save money like everyone and just wanted to know if these had to be replaced or can you clean these.I am assuming carb cleaner on these ? Thanks again Bob J

Carb cleaner should work. I might even try a little brake parts cleaner at first if it's really gunked up.

Iflylow is right. This actually happened to me before. I just cleaned it and no problem after that. I realized, maintenance really helps a lot. :p