When to replace or clean the EGR valve?

Or, the EGR position sensor can fail, causing a check engine light. If your car is running fine at idle and you don’t have a check engine light, there’s no need to replace or clean an EGR valve. Some shops recommend periodic cleaning. I think that’s a waste of money.

Why does my check engine light come on when my EGR valve is stuck?

Whether the EGR valve is clogged, stuck open, or stuck closed, you’re going to get a check engine light. While the check engine light will usually point you straight to the EGR valve, it is possible that it might come on due to a symptom instead of a cause.

When to replace the Check Engine light valve?

If your check engine light is on and the shop discovers an EGR related trouble code stored in the computer, some shops try cleaning the EGR valve. Unfortunately they have to remove the valve to do that. You may think you’re saving money by replacing the valve itself. But you often wind up paying more due to the labor to clean the valve.

What’s the diagnostic code for the EGR valve?

Several technical service bulletins for a wide variety of different makes and models have documented different problems associated with the EGR valve system. With some exhaust gas issues you might set a diagnostic trouble code of PO401 or P0402.

What should I do if my EGR valve is stuck?

Some of the symptoms of a stuck closed EGR valve are pinging noise, tapping noise, and detonation noise, and a check engine light. You can try and clean the EGR valve with a cleaning solution. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you should replace the EGR valve.

Do you need to replace EGR valve to pass cel inspection?

Unfortunately, sometimes shop owners force their technicians to take the simplest, most obvious route rather than spending extra hours diagnosing a problem more thoroughly. In the shop’s defense, replacing your EGR valve probably would eliminate the error code, turn off the CEL, and allow you to pass emissions inspection.

What does the EGR error code p0401 mean?

In the shop’s defense, replacing your EGR valve probably would eliminate the error code, turn off the CEL, and allow you to pass emissions inspection. One thing is certain: the P0401 error code specifically means you have “reduced flow” in your exhaust gas recirculation system.

Why is my EGR valve on my car not closing?

On newer cars, the electrically controlled EGR valve can develop a short or open in the electromagnet or a failure in the position sensor. Both types of valves are susceptible to carbon buildup from the soot in the engine’s exhaust. When buildup occurs on the seat, the pintle can’t close all the way.

How does an exhaust gas recirculation ( EGR ) valve work?

This little valve is responsible for single-handily bringing down the amount of exhaust emissions your car expels from the tailpipe into the atmosphere. The valve makes it possible to recirculate the engine gasses by putting them back into the intake manifold.

Is there a position sensor on an EGR valve?

Vacuum controlled valves don’t have a position sensor to monitor how much the pintle actually opened or closed compared to how much the engine computer wanted it to open or close. When car makers converted over to electrically operated EGR valves, they installed position sensors to get feedback as to actual versus commanded position.

How often should you replace an EGR valve?

Signs of an EGR valve malfunctioning include: Check engine light (diagnostic codes usually in the low P0400s) You can clean an EGR valve, usually done every 15,000 miles, to prolong the life of the valve. It’s less expensive than a replacement, but the amount of work involved in cleaning an EGR valve is equivalent to a full replacement.

How does an EGR valve in an engine work?

As engine combustion temperatures approach 2500 degrees, formation of smog-producing nitrogen oxides (NOx) increases. EGR valves function by recirculating small amounts of exhaust back into the combustion chambers. Since exhaust is mostly carbon dioxide, it doesn’t burn.

How do you replace an EGR gasket in a car?

Replace hoses if necessary. Remove the bolts holding the valve to the cylinder head. If you have trouble removing the bolts, spray them with WD-40 and let them sit before trying again. Remove the valve and any remaining gasket material. Avoid having debris fall into the cylinder head. Install the new EGR valve, following factory instructions.

What can I use to clean an EGR valve?

This is a home experiment and an unbiased use of JLM Diesel Air Intake & EGR Cleaner. Similar products are available. This product is designed to dissolve carbon deposits, gum and varnish build up. It should restore air flow to the engine thus improving power and acceleration while reducing exhaust smoke.

How do you clean an EGR gasket at home?

We recommend installing a new gasket with any repair. Cleaning the EGR valve assembly is a two-step process. It depends on how far you want to go and how much time you have. First, soak the EGR valve in a bowl filled with carb cleaner. Carb cleaner smells horrible and is nasty stuff, so soak it outside or in a very well-ventilated area.

Can a new gasket be installed on an EGR valve?

If it’s questionable, install a new one. We recommend installing a new gasket with any repair. Cleaning the EGR valve assembly is a two-step process. It depends on how far you want to go and how much time you have. First, soak the EGR valve in a bowl filled with carb cleaner.

What do I need to unbolt the EGR valve?

Unbolt the EGR Valve Remove the bolts that attach the EGR valve assembly to the engine. If it doesn’t come right off when you have removed the nuts or bolts, it’s safe to give a slight tap with a block of wood or a tiny hammer to loosen it.

What is the best way to clean an EGR valve?

Soak your EGR valve in a bowl of carb cleaner. Avoid submerging the electrical portion if it has one. You should soak it overnight if possible. After soaking the valve in the cleaner, you should clean the openings, passages and surfaces by using a small brush.

How do you replace an EGR valve?

Replacing The EGR Purchase the correct EGR valve for the make and model of your vehicle. Let your engine cool. Disconnect the battery. Locate the EGR. Disconnect the vacuum line. Disconnect the electrical cable. Use a wrench to remove the bolts on the EGR valve’s mount. Take out the old EGR valve. Clean the valve base and passages.

How often does an EGR valve need replacing?

EGR valves rarely require maintenance or repair and they also rarely need to be replaced. An EGR valve can sometimes become clogged, however, with carbon deposits, resulting in a valve that sticks or does not close completely.

How difficult is it to replace the EGR valve?

How hard is it to change an EGR valve? In most models, replacing an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is not difficult. You can do it in your garage in about an hour or two, depending on your particular system, using some common tools and a good solvent like carburetor cleaner.

Can a car run without an EGR valve?

Cars ran fine for 65 years without EGR valves and so will yours. If you are worried about it, remove the valve assembly from the intake manifold and carefully clean the sliding “gate”. You can usually manipulate the valve with your fingers to check its operation. Also clean out the cavity and gas ports where you removed the valve from…

How to replace an EGR valve in an axle?

How to Replace Your EGR Valve 1 I. Locating the EGR Valve. 2 II. Removing the EGR Valve. 3 III. Cleaning the Valve, Passages, and Ports. 4 IV. Installing the EGR Valve. The EGR valve is usually located around the top or backside of the engine, and to one side… More …

How much does it cost to replace an EGR valve?

The EGR valve is one of these additions, helping keep emissions low and reducing pollution. Having the EGR valve replaced on your car should cost between $147 to $548 , which will cover the cost of parts an labor. You can pick up the valve itself for anywhere between $70 and $490, depending on the type of car you own and what part you buy.

What are the symptoms of a leaking EGR valve?

A faulty EGR valve or related component may leave the valve in either the stuck open or stuck closed position. The symptoms of a stuck open EGR valve are a rough idle with a lean air fuel mixture. The engine has a major vacuum leak. The symptoms of a stuck closed EGR valve are pre-ignition, ping, and knock.

Can you clean EGR valve?

To Clean A Mechanical EGR Valve. 1. Clean and inspect the vacuum hose. Remove the vacuum hose and inspect closely for wear (cracks or weak spots), then clean out the carbon deposits either with a spray can of carburetor cleaner or with a pipe cleaner if the deposits are hardened or compacted.

Where is the EGR pintle position sensor located?

EGR Pintle Position Sensor Describes the operation of the EGR pintle position sensor. This component installs right on top of the EGR valve itself. It is however, an indirect measurement system. The EGR PPS was widely used on FORD and Asian vehicles, with millions of models still in circulation.

How does a linear electronic EGR valve work?

In terms of operation, Linear Electronic EGR valves incorporate a position sensor that relays the position of the valve pintle to the PCM. This information is based on changes in a signal voltage that ranges from about 0.1- 0.3 volt when the valve is closed, to about 5 volts when the valve is in the fully open position.

How often should I Clean my EGR pintle?

Clean the carbon deposit on EGR pintle. Clear the trouble codes and test for proper operation of EGR valve. It is a good idea to get an air induction (carbon cleaning) service performed every 50,000 miles. This will clean out any sludge or carbon build up in the air intake system.

How much does it cost to replace an EGR temperature sensor?

We recommend that you also get the EGR system checked as well if the sensor becomes faulty. The average cost to replace the EGR temperature sensor is between $190 and $260. The labor cost is between $30 and $80, while the part itself cost between $150 and $200.

How much does it cost to replace an EGR tube?

$115.96 – $570.03. Average rating from 21 customers who received a Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Tube Replacement. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube is part of your vehicle’s EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and is part of the EGR valve.

How often does an exhaust gas recirculation ( EGR ) tube last?

The hoses can start to leak due to cracks over time, which then hinders the EGR valve’s ability to work properly. While there is no set lifespan for your exhaust gas recirculation tube, it is suggested you have an air induction procedure done approximately every 50,000 miles.

How long does it take to replace an EGR valve?

In order to replace the EGR tube it can be replaced in less than an hour. The tube may not be the only issue though and the intake manifold EGR ports may be clogged and need the intake manifold to be removed and the ports in the engine cylinders to be cleaned out.

How do you replace or clean an EGR valve?

To Clean An Electronic EGR Valve Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disengage and remove any sensors and electrical connections along with any hoses. Loosen the bolts to remove the EGR valve and gasket. Check the hoses and gasket for wear, to replace or reuse.

When to replace or clean the EGR valve?