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

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.

What’s the code for an EGR valve throw?

What code will an EGR valve throw have? The P0401 trouble code is related to your car’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which controls an engine and reduces emissions. Suppose a computer-controlled valve gives a certain amount of gases back into your engine to be burnt with the air-fuel mixture.

When to replace the EGR valve on a diesel engine?

The EGR valve on a diesel engine usually gets a lot more dirt in it, and it has to be replaced and cleaned more often. The carbon build up can also destroy the EGR valve and you have to replace it more often. A lot of people, reprogram the EGR valve to not function to reduce the amount of carbon build up in the engine.

Are there any disadvantages to using an EGR valve?

There are some disadvantages of EGR as well such as loss in fuel economy, low performance and, in diesel-engine cars, the production of soot increases. However, modern engines use clever technologies for an efficient process, for example, new diesel engines now use EGR cooler which cools down the exhaust gasses by passing the coolant.

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.

How does an EGR valve in a gasoline engine work?

Gasoline EGR valves -These EGR valves divert the exhaust gases, similar to a high-pressure diesel equivalent. Here the exhaust gases are drawn in and the flow is been regulated with the opening and closing of the EGR valve which is possible due to the vacuum created by cylinder depression.

When to test the Ford EGR valve solenoid?

The following are the most common symptoms that a Ford (or Mercury or Lincoln) car or truck will usually experience when there’s a fault in the EGR System: Car or truck runs fine, but the check engine light (CEL) is on with an EGR Valve Fault Code: P0401 EGR System Flow Insufficient. P01406 EGR Valve Pintle Position.

Do you need vacuum pump to test EGR valve?

Still, you can follow this guide along with the procedure described in your vehicle manual to test your EGR valve, if necessary. To apply one of the tests to the EGR valve, you’ll need a vacuum pump, which you can borrow-rent from a local auto parts store, if you don’t have one.

What to do if you have a bad EGR valve?

The first thing you do is to locate your EGR valve. You can take a look at the manufacturer’s guide of your vehicle to help you with this. Then put on your vehicle’s engine and rev your engine to about 2000 rpm. Gently create access to your valve and place your hand on it.

Where is the EGR valve on a Dodge Avenger?

The 2009 Dodge Avenger EGR valve is not shaped like the old EGR valve; it is a cylinder shape on this vehicle. It is located on the left side of the engine near the front. Where is the E.G.R. valve located on a 2011 Mazda MX5?

Where is the EGR valve on a Hyundai Santa Fe?

Answer: You will find the EGR valve for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe by facing the engine, on the right side of the engine, look towards the back of the engine, very near the firewall. Question: Where is the EGR valve on a 2007 Silverado K1500 5.3 liter engine? Answer: On top of the engine just in front of the carburetor.

What happens when you have a bad EGR valve?

This, in turn, reduces the car’s performance and increases pollution as well. When there is a problem with the EGR valve, the check engine light or EPC (VW) light may appear on your dashboard. The two main issues EGR valves face are that, either the valve stays open or it shuts completely.

How much does it cost to replace an EGR valve?

For newbies, we recommend that you take your car to an auto-specialist who can diagnose the problem effectively and provide you with a solution. On average, the EGR valve replacement should cost somewhere between $200 to $900. The component itself costs around $70 to $490. It’s often the repair time that is expensive.

What causes black smoke from the EGR valve?

2. Black Smoke from Exhaust. If the EGR valve stays open at all times and the exhaust fumes are being fed to the engine constantly, the engine gets deprived of oxygen. With too much fuel burning and less oxygen, a black smoke gets produced and escapes from the exhaust pipe especially when the car is idle.

What are the symptoms of a bad or failing EGR cooler?

Check Engine Light comes on Another symptom of a bad or failing EGR cooler is a Check Engine Light. If the computer detects a problem with the EGR system, such as insufficient flow or exhaust, it will set off the Check Engine Light to alert the driver of the issue.

Why is there an EGR code on my Ford?

However, we often find EGR codes on Ford products caused by inexpensive plastic parts that falsely report position to the control module. Several technical service bulletins for a wide variety of different makes and models have documented different problems associated with the EGR valve system.

How can I check if my EGR valve is OK?

A quick way to check for this is to apply vacuum to the EGR valve and monitor engine operation. Assuming the EGR valve is ok the engine should begin to stumble and possibly even stall as vacuum is applied to the valve and the pintle opens. Your DPFE voltage should also approach 4.5 volts.

When does the Check Engine light come on on an EGR cooler?

Check Engine Light comes on. Another symptom of a bad or failing EGR cooler is a Check Engine Light. If the computer detects a problem with the EGR system, such as insufficient flow or exhaust, it will set off the Check Engine Light to alert the driver of the issue.

What are the symptoms of a Ford EGR fault?

The following are the most common symptoms that a Ford (or Mercury or Lincoln) car or truck will usually experience when there’s a fault in the EGR system: P0401 EGR System Flow Insufficient. P01406 EGR Valve Pintle Position. Rough Idle. Really bad gas mileage.

Can a bad EGR valve cause a misfire?

Can a bad EGR valve cause a misfire? Of course, a bad EGR valve can cause a misfire . It is mostly caused by clogged passages in your vehicle’s intake manifold.

Why does an EGR valve need to be replaced?

EGR valves are a part known for failing often and it can result in an expensive replacement cost. The EGR valves have to withstand a lot of wear and tear because of the hot air and the amount of carbon that gets built up inside them.

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.

What is EGR problem?

The EGR system works by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas off the engine back to the engines cylinders. Modern engines require an EGR system to reduce the amount of emission and meet government standards. Problems with the EGR valve often include a leaking or clogged valve.

What is EGR valve failure?

An EGR valve. Failure to repair or replace the ERG valve could increase emissions from the car. A faulty EGR valve may result in a stalled car. An issue with an EGR valve is often diagnosed through reading the car’s diagnostic trouble codes. A trusted mechanic may be able to repair the EGR valve instead of replacing it.

What does EGR do?

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation . It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR…

What do you need to know about the EGR valve?

The EGR valve is a small component designed to allow the flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold in controlled amounts. As such, it’s a simple valve that closes and opens as needed.

Can a check engine light get clogged up?

The EGR valve can get clogged up or fail entirely. If you’re even slightly mechanically inclined, you can remove the valve, clean it up, and reinstall it in a relatively short amount of time. If the valve needs to be replaced, expect to pay at least $125 for a brand-new, OEM-quality unit.

What should I do if my EGR light is not working?

The repair of this condition is removal of the EGR valve and inspection of the passageway to check for a blockage. Each model vehicle has different procedures for clearing the passageway due to many different configurations of the system. Some Fords have a removable tube.

Why do I have an EGR code on my car?

This is often due to carbon clogging passageways or improper operation of the egr-valve. However, we often find EGR codes on Ford products caused by inexpensive plastic parts that falsely report position to the control module.

How can I tell if my EGR valve is leaking?

If the reading did not change, then you could suspect a leaking EGR valve, allowing uncommanded flow of exhaust gases. I would remove and bench test the valve for leakage. A couple other things to check with this system are excessive back pressure or a restricted EGR tube. These are quick and easy to check for.

What should the gauge be for the EGR valve?

The gauge should climb up to 5-10 in.hg once or twice during the KOER test. This is because the computer commands the EVR on so the EGR valve will open and then the computer looks for a voltage change on the DPFE sensor. This is how the computer checks operation of this sensor.

What causes a failure code on an EGR system?

Another common problem causing failure codes in this system is that the tip of the valve will become irregular shaped from carbon deposits. When this happens it no longer creates a perfect seal. This can allow exhaust gas to continue to flow when not called for by the computer. An example would be at engine idle or when the vehicle is cold.

When does the engine check light turn on?

The engine check light will illuminate when there is a faulty in the EGR valve. This light will not turn on until your vehicle’s computer picks up a negative signal from your EGR valve or any other engine component. Anytime you see your engine check light on, carry out a thorough examination of your vehicle’s engine as soon as possible.

Check Engine Light comes on Another symptom of a bad or failing EGR cooler is a Check Engine Light. If the computer detects a problem with the EGR system, such as insufficient flow or exhaust, it will set off the Check Engine Light to alert the driver of the issue.

However, we often find EGR codes on Ford products caused by inexpensive plastic parts that falsely report position to the control module. Several technical service bulletins for a wide variety of different makes and models have documented different problems associated with the EGR valve system.

Another common problem causing failure codes in this system is that the tip of the valve will become irregular shaped from carbon deposits. When this happens it no longer creates a perfect seal. This can allow exhaust gas to continue to flow when not called for by the computer. An example would be at engine idle or when the vehicle is cold.

When to take a Clogged EGR valve to the mechanic?

You’ll know within a day or so whether you are still having a clogged EGR problem. If it turns out you still need to replace the EGR valve, go ahead and take it to your mechanic. But there’s at least a 50 percent chance you’ve solved your problem without spending any cash at all.

There are some disadvantages of EGR as well such as loss in fuel economy, low performance and, in diesel-engine cars, the production of soot increases. However, modern engines use clever technologies for an efficient process, for example, new diesel engines now use EGR cooler which cools down the exhaust gasses by passing the coolant.