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Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Replacement
Typical Cost: Low - Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours
What does an EGR valve do?
The EGR valve is a device that sends a small amount of the exhaust gasses back through into the intake system, thereby reducing harmful emissions.
How does an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve work and what are the components?
The EGR valve is connected to the exhaust system by a metal tube. When the engine is running at its optimum, the valve will be opened by the engine management system to allow the exhaust gases to travel up the tube from the exhaust system and back through into the inlet manifold, and subsequently back into the engine.
The control of this valve is either driven directly by a solenoid on the EGR unit itself, or via a hose to a solenoid on the vacuum circuit that is also opened by the engine management system.
Some EGR units have a cooler as part of them, that is plumbed into the engine’s cooling system, literally to cool the exhaust gasses before they go back through.
By the exhaust gasses going back into the engine, it reduces NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) content. This is because the exhaust gas reduces the actual oxygen proportion and increases the vapour content, which in return reduces the combustion temperature peak. As more NOx is produced as the temperature rises, this method actively reduces the amount created.
Typical symptoms that require an EGR valve to be replaced.
An efficiently operating EGR valve is paramount to engine performance and a faulty one can make starting difficult and reduce performance considerably.
Some of the typical symptoms are
- Difficulty in starting
- Rough engine idle and stalling
- Poor running
- Reduced performance
- Higher fuel consumption
- Engine management light illuminated
- MOT failure on emissions
What happens during an EGR valve replacement?
Whilst there are quite obviously many different engine designs on the market, there are as many different processes to change one. The mechanic though will run tests beforehand to ensure that the EGR valve is faulty, prior to commencing.
There are some basic steps though that are common
- The mechanic will physically inspect the area around the EGR valve for leaks
- A full diagnostic test will be carried out with monitoring of live data
- If deemed to be faulty and once the engine has cooled, the EGR valve will be removed and replaced
- Diagnostic checks will be rerun and codes cleared down
- Vehicle will be road tested
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your EGR valve to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the EGR valve part
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
EGR valve replacement
EGR valve replacement - RH
EGR valve replacement - LH
How much does it cost to have an EGR valve replaced?
The cost of an EGR valve replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/jobs/egr-valve-replacement
FAQ’s
Can my EGR valve be physically cleaned instead of replaced?
In theory yes, in practical terms though it isn’t always worth it. Some EGR valves can take 5-6 hours to remove and refit, so if you then add in the cleaning time of around 2 hours, the labour costs are sky high. Then, if it doesn’t work, or if it fails again shortly afterwards, then you are in the same situation again with another serious labour cost plus the part.
Therefore unless it's really quick to remove (and some are!) and the parts are inexpensive, it is worth trying, otherwise, it doesn’t make sense long term.
Should I use an EGR cleaning additive in my fuel?
Common sense dictates that the more efficient an engine is running, the cleaner the exhaust gasses will be. Using so called EGR system cleaners that simply get poured into the fuel tank, will not directly clean the EGR valve, a cleaner running engine = less deposits so less chance of it gumming up. However, this will not work for an EGR valve that has already been gummed up.
Can my EGR be “blanked off”
Once again, in theory, yes it can and in some cases it can improve the vehicles performance and fuel consumption. However, it is altering the vehicles emissions system, which is now frowned upon by the DVLA and if you are caught on the road with it being modified it can lead to fines, points and subsequently a ban. The engine’s ECU (electronic control unit) will also have to have its program modified (remapped) to prevent the engine management light coming on, so by the time everything is taken into consideration, it’s not the best option.
The previous owner had the EGR blanked off, can that be reverted?
Usually the reason it was blanked off was because the EGR valve itself has become problematic. Therefore, yes the blanking plate can be removed, however it is likely that the EGR valve will need to be replaced (it will have to come off anyway to remove the plate) and it is highly likely that your engine control unit (ECU) will need to be programmed (remapped) back to standard.
Has my car got more than one EGR valve?
On some “V” configuration engines, there are indeed two EGR valves, a LH and a RH. We would need to know which one was faulty as there are often different labour times and parts depending on which side it is. You do not have to have both units replaced, however, do bear in mind that if one side has failed due to the deposits, the likelihood is that the other side isn’t far behind.
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the EGR doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.
Associated repairs
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) replacement
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) physical clean
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) forced regeneration