About the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve:
Most cars have an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The exhaust gas recirculation – EGR system is used to reduce exhaust emissions by recirculating gases back into the engine cylinders via the engine intake manifold.
The exhaust gas recirculation valve is an important component that controls the flow and recirculation of exhaust gases. When the valve is open, exhaust gases are sent through your car’s EGR system, resulting in reduced emissions.
A faulty EGR valve can affect the operation of your engine, resulting in a variety of different problems. When the EGR valve becomes stuck open, a continuous flow of exhaust gases will flow into your car’s intake manifold. When the EGR valve becomes stuck shut, the flow of gases will be completely blocked.
Symptoms of an EGR valve stuck open:
An EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve that is stuck open can cause a range of symptoms in a vehicle. Some common symptoms of an EGR valve that is stuck open include:
- Engine Stalling – A faulty EGR valve can cause your car to stall more often. This will happen the most when your car is idling.
- Reduced engine performance – When the EGR valve is stuck open, you will experience a reduction in engine performance. This will result in reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption.
- Fuel odour – You may notice a slight fuel odour when operating your vehicle. This happens due to the increase of hydrocarbon gases leaving through the tailpipe.
- Engine warning light – A stuck EGR valve can trigger the engine warning light, indicating a fault with the emissions system.
- Engine misfires – An EGR valve that is stuck open can cause engine misfires, which can result in a rough idle or hesitation when accelerating.
Symptoms of an EGR valve stuck shut:
- Loud banging noises – When the EGR valve is stuck shut, the gasses can ignite. This may result in loud banging noises. In some cases, these gases can ignite with enough power to damage the engine and exhaust.
- Engine misfires – An EGR valve that is stuck shut can cause engine misfires, resulting in a rough idle or hesitation when accelerating.
- Check engine light – If your car’s onboard computer detects problems with the EGR system, the check engine light will turn on.
- Reduced engine performance – An EGR valve that is stuck shut can reduce engine performance by reducing the amount of exhaust gas recirculated back into the engine.
Can you drive with a stuck EGR valve?
Driving with a stuck EGR valve is possible, but we recommend that you get the valve fixed when possible. Driving with a stuck EGR valve can cause damage to the engine and increase emissions, which can negatively impact the environment.
Additionally, a stuck EGR valve can cause other symptoms in the vehicle, such as engine misfires, reduced engine performance, increased emissions, engine knock or ping, and trigger the engine warning light.
New Engine Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valves and EGR Valve Diagnostics in Hamilton
Is your car in need of an EGR valve replacement or do your need EGR Valve diagnostics? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our experienced and dedicated mechanics can diagnose, clean or replace the faulty EGR valve in your car and install a new, fully functional exhaust gas recirculation EGR valve. This will result in gas correctly recirculating through your engine for better engine reliability, power, performance, fuel efficiency and reduced harmful greeehouse gas emissions.
For EGR valve diagnostics, repairs and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!