The Evaporative Emission test needs a cold soaked engine, with cool morning temps and idling a cold engine for at least 5 minutes and then idling a warm engine for 5 minutes. While it is at idle, the PCM will open the EGR all the way and look for a change in idle speed to confirm that the EGR gas if flowing into the engine when the PCM opens it. The EGR, if I remember correctly is tested after the O2 sensors and Catalytic Converter and only when the engine is warm and at idle. There has to be certain conditions present before each test is started, like the engine is cold and driven at a certain speed, etc. Google "Chrysler Drive Cycle", it usually tests the equipment in a certain order and the O2 sensors and Catalytic Converter before it tests the EGR.
Starting and stopping the engine and driving it 20' will NOT induce the EGR test.
So, if you replace an EGR, and the reason the code was set was because the EGR failed the PCM testing of it, then the light won't go off until it retests the EGR and it passes the test.
The PCM performs a series of tests on all the emissions equipment at set intervals, its also constantly tests several items and will also set codes for when it see obviously incorrect responses to its inputs and outputs. I can live with the CEL on, but it's driving me nuts. But it's on the cold side to do a plug change (40 F) and I don't have a garage. It is well overdue for a spark plug change. Only alternative I have is to drive it the required amount of trips or visit a dealer/shop, but funds are tight right now. I don't have a scan tool where I can reset the light. Will this actually work? As noted mine is a 2006. One website said disconnecting the positive lead on the battery for a minute will reset the EGR code. I had read this could reset the EGR code. Did this three times - CEL is still on when the engine was started for the 4th time. Tried starting the engine pulling forward a few feet (10 ft) and then backing up 10 feet and turning the engine off. The replacement lasted nearly 187K miles. The original EGR was replace at about 50K miles with a OEM MoPar EGR. R&R the EGR ($46 at Advance) but the CEL is still on. Went to Advance and found two codes: P0404 (EGR) and P1521 (incorrect oil viscosity). Just before I arrived home last night the CEL came on. *Certain conditions can impact the life of the air filter.2006 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi 236,625 miles. Unburnt fuel exits the car through the exhaust pipe, possibly resulting in smoke or flames. Black Sooty Smoke or Flames: Poor air supply can result in fuel not burning completely during the combustion cycle.If your car doesn’t respond well or jerks when you step on the accelerator, the engine may not be receiving the air it needs to perform.