So i was driving my truck and and it just died all of a sudden. I can turn it on but it only runs for about 2 seconds. If i mash the gas pedal i can get it to run longer but it still will eventually shut off. I checked the cel and got 7 blinks then 1 blink. The cel was on for a quite some time a while ago but i thought i had checked it and thought it had to do with a bad catalytic converter. but now it is giving me a different code. i don't know maybe i misread the code, i have no idea. it would store two codes at once right? i dont know, but anyways fsm says it is a EGR System Malfunction and gives me these probable causes. if you were in my shoes where would you start? -thanks
• Open in EGR gas temp.
sensor circuit
• Open in VSV circuit for EGR
• EGR vacuum hose discon–
nected, valve stuck
• Clogged in EGR gas passage
• ECM

 

I'd start with vaccum leaks

 

ok so i unplugged the throttle position sensor and vafm and the truck started and idled fine. but as soon as i plug either of those back in it dies.

 

What if only one is unplugged?

 

it only runs with both unplugged. if i plug in the vafm it will die. if i plug in the tps it will die. however i took cover off the vafm and increasingly turned the dial thing counter clockwise until i was able to plug the vafm and tps back in and have it continue running. i just have to hold the dial in a certain position to keep it running, as soon as i let go it dies.