What does an EGR Valve Position (EVP) Sensor do?
Right, so heaps of cars rolling around Hamilton these days have something called an EGR Valve Position sensor. Had a few customers ask what it actually does. Basically, that little sensor is part of your car’s Exhaust Gas Recirculation system – EGR for short. The idea is simple: it helps your car re-burn some of its exhaust fumes, so less nasties go out the tailpipe. Bit better on fuel too, which is always a bonus, especially with the cost of a fill up on Te Rapa Road or heading out towards Cambridge.
When these systems got fancier, car makers added the EVP sensor to better control the EGR valve. It tells your engine’s computer exactly how far open (or closed) the valve is. That way, the car knows how much exhaust gas to chuck back into the motor so it runs right. See it all the time in Toyotas and Mazdas, but you’ll spot the setup in everything from a Honda Fit to a Volkswagen Tiguan, or even the odd SsangYong or Peugeot we see from Matangi or Tamahere.
If you want your EGR repaired in Hamilton > we’re always here to help.
How to spot a dodgy EGR Valve Position sensor
Got one of these playing up? Here’s what we see in the workshop, whether you drive a Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Getz or even a late-model BYD hybrid. These symptoms crop up a lot, especially on cars that rack up heaps of short trips around Hamilton East, with all those stop signs and speed bumps.
- Check engine light’s on – That little light on the dash? First warning something’s not right. Your car’s not keen on dodgy EGR readings, so it’ll have a moan.
- Runs rough when it’s cold – Biggie for winter, especially on those foggy Hamilton mornings. Engine can idle lumpy, stall or make starting a hassle.
- More exhaust smoke and failed emissions – Easy to spot, especially if you leave a cloud behind heading down Normandy Avenue. If your car starts billowing out more smoke, it might fail its WOF emissions test >.
- Drinks more fuel – Funny thing, when the EGR system’s not right, cars tend to chew through the gas. Not great if you’re driving in and out from Ngaruawahia or Rototuna every day.
- Feels gutless – That lack of punch when you try to accelerate, especially if you’re merging onto Wairere Drive. Yep, that can be down to a crook EGR Valve Position sensor too.
Any of those and it’s worth letting one of our technicians have a squiz. Could just be the sensor, which is a pretty straightforward fix compared to some other EGR trouble.
Can you still drive if your EGR sensor’s busted?
You can, but it’s not ideal. We get plenty of folks cruising round with this issue – sometimes they just want to get from Dinsdale to The Base without hassle, or they can’t take the car off the road right away. Thing is, ignoring a bad EVP sensor means the car’ll keep running rough, burning more fuel, maybe even stalling at the lights. Seen it happen on a Corolla stuck at the Peachgrove Road intersection.
Your engine management won’t run the EGR properly, which can muck up your emissions, pop the check engine light and hit you in the wallet at the pump. Not dangerous straight away, but it can get worse over time. If you want to keep your car running sweet (and keep your WOF inspector happy), best to sort it sooner rather than later.
Need your EGR Valve Position (EVP) sensor sorted in Hamilton?
If you’re anywhere between Hamilton, Morrinsville, or out Te Kowhai way and reckon your EGR valve position sensor is on the fritz, swing by Grimmer Motors. We get all sorts in here – from a Suzuki Swift doing school runs in Flagstaff, to a Mitsubishi Outlander clocking up the k’s on the expressway. Our team will check your EGR system, figure out what’s playing up, and swap out the sensor if that’s the culprit.
A new EVP sensor means your engine runs smoother, you’ll pass your WOF with no drama, and you won’t be burning more fuel than you should, especially handy with Hamilton’s stop-start commute.
For EGR or EVP sensor replacement, repairs, or just car service Hamilton-wide, give us a bell or flick us a message!