Expert: Mike Evans - 9/15/2010

Question
Hi Mike,
I am a newbie.  My car is a 1999 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder.  I want to replace a part that's called elsewhere on this forum an "egr vacuum switching valve."  Checker Auto Parts has something that sounds close -- "EGR Vacuum Solenoid."  Are these one and the same part?

Thanks!

Answer
    Yes.  Aftermarket vendors tend to call anything with a coil in it a solenoid.  This is not technically correct from an automotive or electronic point of view.  Problem is that OEMs (like Toyota) each use a different name for parts that do the same thing.  So, either way, you have to guess.  Best bet its to remove the old part and take it in when buying the new one.  If they look different, it's the wrong part.