S8code3

Need some help, Gang.

Engine stuttered briefly, got the following codes and a flashing glow plug and check engine indicator. I tried to remove the EGR valve to clean it, but it will not budge. Tried prying with a large flathead screwdriver, but there's not a lot there to leverage it with. The German gentleman in his helpful YouTube video also struggled with it (see 5:50 onward):


I am dreading going to the dealer just because of a dirty EGR valve just to be charged hours of diagnostics, labor, new valve (I'm guessing ~$1000).

Any tips on EGR valve removal? Do I need to somehow break the vacuum somewhere first? Or am I missing something bigger? Thanks in advance...

4891 - EGR Valve (N18)
P0403 00 [101] - Malfunction
Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 113698 km
Date: 2017.01.12
Time: 06:41:38

Engine speed: 1014.00 /min
Normed load value: 36.1 %
Vehicle speed: 2 km/h
Coolant temperature: 18 ∞C
Intake air temperature: 14 ∞C
Ambient air pressure: 1000 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 13.100 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Air mass; actual value (mg/stroke): 459.1 mg/stroke
EGR Vacuum Regulator Solenoid Valve; activation: 18.01 %
EGR solenoid valve; actual value: 99.69 %
EGR valve; offset closed: -4.63 %
High press EGR actuator; actual unconditioned volt val: 3852.2 mV
EGR valve; offset open: 4.63 %

16543 - EGR System
P0404 00 [101] - Range / Performance
Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 113698 km
Date: 2017.01.12
Time: 06:41:38

Engine speed: 1014.00 /min
Normed load value: 36.1 %
Vehicle speed: 2 km/h
Coolant temperature: 18 ∞C
Intake air temperature: 14 ∞C
Ambient air pressure: 1000 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 13.100 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Air mass; actual value (mg/stroke): 459.1 mg/stroke
EGR Vacuum Regulator Solenoid Valve; activation: 18.01 %
EGR solenoid valve; actual value: 99.69 %
EGR valve; offset closed: -4.63 %
High press EGR actuator; actual unconditioned volt val: 3852.2 mV
EGR valve; offset open: 4.63 %

S8code3

Solution - hit it with a rubber hammer until it loosens.

Shout out to AW colleague fsroswell for his helpful posts:

Help to remove EGR valve please

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q7-...valve-2878263/