well, did the job on the exhaust flapper valve today. I was going to have it done at the dealership ( they removed and lubed it about 6 mos ago but I couldn`t get in there until late next week, so fearing a clogged DPF I got to it. The big issue is the jacking up of the car..... safely , I used ramps, and getting at it wasn,t that bad from the passenger side. The electrical connector comes off easily with a slotted screw driver then the 2 clamps come off with a 5mm hex. The clamps were pretty tight on the flared exhaust but a gentle tap with the screwdriver and a light hammer did the trick. A bit of wiggling later and the assembly was out. It was jammed open and actually pretty clean. Lots of PB blaster later, it was moving OK but still stiff from turning the motor.
Re- assembly was not bad, I placed the clamps onto the exhaust pipes and held the rear one tight with a needle nose vise grip and slipped the clamp on. ( watch for the thin washers/seals on the ends of the exhaust pipe...there is a notch there for correct fit). then the forward clamp was installed as well as the electric connector and it,s protective covering.
I fired her up and after 2 starts the CEL went out.
We'll see how long this lasts...probably a regular item to lube with each oil change.
Ted
