Bad EGR Valve Symptoms and Replacement Cost

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve is a component that is usually found in most modern vehicles that are fuel-powered, both with diesel and petrol. The role of this valve is to ensure that engine emissions are reduced by recirculating back some of the exhaust gas into the engine. Problems with this component will easily result in the appearance of some bad EGR valve symptoms.

If you are not familiar with how these things work, and if you are a newbie in the world of vehicles and automobiles, perhaps you have not really heard of the EGR valve. While you can do the replacement by yourself, our help as professional mechanics could help you out. We have you covered!

8 Bad EGR Valve Symptoms

How could you tell a faulty EGR valve? What are the possible reasons behind this? Let us take a look at some of the bad exhaust gas recirculation valve symptoms that you may notice.

1. Check Engine Light

When there is a problem with anything related to the engine of your vehicle, you will notice the Check Engine light giving a warning on the dashboard. This usually happens the moment that the central computer of your vehicle detects a problem, or that the EGR valve is not in a normal position.

For instance, if you notice the EGR valve stuck open symptoms, and not closing or opening all the way when it normally should, the computer will notice that something is wrong and start activating the Check Engine Light. 

2. Poor Performance of the Engine

A faulty EGR valve will most likely cause some problems with the performance of your vehicle engine. This could include difficulties in the acceleration of the vehicle, as well as power reduction when stepping on the gas pedal. This often comes as a result of an imbalance in the air and fuel ratio.

3. Fuel Smell

Because of a bad EGR valve, the engine will usually end up with more fuel consumption. This means that more hydrocarbons are also going out of the tailpipe. This will result in the intensifying of fuel smell. It could happen in a worse case that passengers inside the vehicle can smell the fuel. You surely would not want to experience dealing with fuel smell since it is not healthy. When you start noticing this problem, it is often good to address the issue with the faulty EGR valve right away.

4. EGR Valve Rough Idle

The vehicle will also experience a rough idle when the EGR valve malfunctions and gets stuck in an open or closed position. This only means that either too little or too much exhaust gas enters the chamber, thus resulting in the engine not running smoothly. 

5. Emission Test Fail

If you live in an area where emission tests for vehicles are required, a faulty EGR valve could mean a failure in this test. In many cases, you may not be informed about this issue, which is why you may want to have it checked right away.

6. EGR Valve Stuck Open

In cases where the EGR valve is stuck in an open position, it could result in a vacuum leak. This will, in turn, lead to incomplete combustion, which usually serves as the main reason for the fluctuation and the rough idling in the RPM needle.

When your car is in a parking position, you may want to check on the positioning of the valve using a plunger shaft. You may also want to use OBD tools that can be connected to your vehicle and determine errors. Codes such as P1406 and P1404 may be noticed in cases where the EGR valve is left in an open position. The plug may be removed, filling the spaces with carbon cleaner. 

7. EGR Valve Stuck Closed

If the EGR valve is stuck in a closed position, a huge about of Nitrogen Oxide emission is highly possible. When this happens, the vehicle may result in producing knocks, which will disrupt the timing of the engine, even resulting in extreme wear and tear.

To diagnose whether this is the cause of the bad EGR valve, check the EGR valve, which moves when the car is in a park, and revved up. Error codes P041 and P1406 are the common ones that show on the OBD. A knocking sound may be a sign that the valve is already shut down. With this, manually remove the valve. A valve kit may come in handy, or seek the assistance of a mechanic for professional assistance. 

8. EGR Valve Clogged

Unburnt carbon deposits may also prevent the valves from being in the right position. This may result in a rough idling. Even though this may only happen in severe cases, with the vehicle in the start position, the clogging of the EGR valve may disrupt the recirculation of exhaust gas, typically happening after going over 30 mph speeds.

This problem is often shown as error codes P1404 and P1406. To fix this, remove the valve manually, and afterward cleaning it with a cleaning kit or a throttle cleaner to get rid of the debris. 

Also Read: Bad Distributor Cap and Rotor Symptoms


EGR Valve Replacement Cost

The actual cost that is involved in the EGR Valve replacement can range between $200 and $480. This usually includes the cost for the parts that range from $$140 to $360. The labor cost involved in the process also ranges from $60 to $120, which is still highly dependent on the hourly rate of the mechanic working on your car. Take note that replacing the EGR valve of your car may not be cheapest, particularly with luxury vehicles. However, the entire process usually does not take over an hour.


Last Words

If your car is showing any of the above mentioned bad EGR valve symptoms, or if you are suspecting of a faulty EGR valve, it is highly recommended to have your vehicle checked professionally. A qualified vehicle mechanic can look into your car and diagnose early signs of problems using the right tools for diagnostics.


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