The (EGR) valve system, is designed to help minimize, harmful oxides of nitrogen in the air we breath.
To help do this, the (EGR) valve allows, a calibrated amount of exhaust gas, to reenter the intake system.
As a result, the diluted mixture burns slower, lowering temperatures in the combustion chamber, by almost 150°C. As a result, reducing NOx production, for a cleaner more efficient exhaust.
But, having an (EGR) valve can have a downside as well. Because, it leads to a gradual buildup of carbon particles, inside the inlet.
So, intake vacuum in the intake manifold, sucks exhaust back into the engine. But, the amount of recirculation has to be controlled.
Otherwise, it can have an adverse effect, as a huge vacuum leak. Also, soot forms where the exhaust passes into the intake and even within the valve itself, causing various problems. As a result, fuel injectors, which are delicate and expensive components of the engine, may become partially clogged.
As for the valve itself, soot and grime may prevent it from properly, opening and closing.
So, if it becomes stuck in the closed position, it will lose all function. As a result, the vehicle will continue to run properly, however it will emit nitrogen oxides at levels, beyond the threshold.
But, if the valve becomes stuck in an open position, the engine will become saturated even faster. Over time, the vehicle will lose acceleration power and certain symptoms will manifest, such as persistent stalling.
Common (EGR) Problems Include:
- Pinging (spark knock or detonation), because the (EGR) system is not working. As a result, carbon may have clogged up the exhaust port.
- Rough idle or misfiring, because the valve is not closing, and is leaking exhaust into the intake manifold. You may also find, a P0300 random misfire code on, OBD-II vehicles.
- Hard or no starting, because the valve is not closing, and is creating a vacuum leak into the intake manifold.
An (EGR) Valve, Stuck Open
So, when the valve is stuck open, it will lead to a vacuum leak. As a result, causing inefficient combustion, hesitation, rough idling and even stalling. The reason for this is, that the engine cannot combust on the carbon dioxide, emitted from the exhaust pipe.
Because, an open valve causes, exhaust emissions to flood the combustion chamber. So, to check for a stuck open valve, idle a parked car with the brake on. Then, have someone examine the plunger shaft, to see if it is stuck open.
An (EGR) Valve, Stuck Closed
This causes nitrogen oxide emissions to rise, and the engine might start to knock. As a result, when the fuel in the combustion chamber ignites, before the explosion in the cylinder reaches it.
As a result, this leads to a disruption in, engine timing. So, when this happens, warm up your engine and rev it, then check if the valve will move.
The (EGR) Valve Has Changed Design Many Times Over The Years
So, most older systems, use a vacuum regulated valve. On the other hand, newer vehicles tend to have an electronic valve, to control exhaust gas recirculation. So, at idle speed, the valve should look like its closed. As a result, there is no, (EGR) flow into the manifold.
The valve remains closed, until the engine is warm, and is operating under load. But, as the load increases and combustion temperatures start to rise. Then, the valve opens and starts to leak exhaust, back into the intake manifold. Finally, this has a quenching effect that, lowers combustion temperatures and reduces the formation of (NOx).
Here Are come Of The Changes
There are actually many different types.
- Ported valves (1973 to 1980s).
- Positive back pressure valves (1973 & up).
- Negative back pressure valves (1973 & up).
- Pulse-width modulated electronic valves (early 1980s & up).
- Digital electronic valves (late 1980s to 1990s).
- Linear electronic valves (early 1990s & up).
But, Not All Engines Have An (EGR) Valve
On many late model engines with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), there is NO (EGR) valve. Because, the (VVT) system varies the timing of the exhaust valves, to provide the same effect as an (EGR) valve. And, this changes the point at which the exhaust valves close, when the engine is working hard under load. Then, a small amount of exhaust gas can be kept in the cylinders, for the next combustion cycle.
This has the same effect on reducing combustion temperatures and (NOx). The same as recirculating exhaust gas from an exhaust port back into the intake manifold, through an (EGR) valve. The big difference is that the (VVT) system, can react to changing engine loads much much faster. And, is more precise than a traditional (EGR) valve. Furthermore, using (VVT) for (EGR) also, eliminates many of the problems. For example, carbon buildup and valve sticking or failure.
(EGR) Valve Testing
First, find out what kind of valve is on the vehicle. Then, you can use the appropriate test procedure. Examine the valve or refer to a service manual. On some vehicles, you may find this information, on the under hood emissions decal. Does it have, a ported vacuum switch or a solenoid? Follow the vacuum connections from the valve. Also, refer to a service manual or the under hood emissions decal, for vacuum hose routing.
So, there are several ways to troubleshoot an (EGR) system. Follow the (EGR) troubleshooting procedure, in a service manual. On late model computer controlled engines, there may be Trouble Codes that relate to the (EGR) system. On such applications, the first step would be to read the codes, using a scan tool or code reader.
Common (EGR) Trouble Codes
On Late Model (EGR) Valves, The Following Trouble Codes Are Common:
- P0400: EGR flow malfunction
- P0401: EGR insufficient flow detected
- P0402: EGR excessive flow detected
- P0403: EGR circuit malfunction
- P0404: EGR circuit range/performance
- P0405: EGR sensor A circuit low
- P0406: EGR sensor A circuit high
- P0407: EGR sensor B circuit low
- P0408: EGR sensor B circuit high
- P1403: EGR solenoid low
- P1404: EGR system – closed valve pintle error
- P1405: EGR solenoid high
- P1406: EGR system pintle position error
Then, refer to the specific diagnostic charts in a service manual, that tell you what to do next.
Conclusion
Soon we will see all the new challenges, that come with having, NO (EGR) at all. As that information arrives, we will add to this blog.
BY DANNY BENDER
