Are you having problems with your EGR valve? Find out whether replacement or cleaning is the better solution and which symptoms indicate a fault. Also: How much is the cost for EGR valve replacement or cleaning in the UK?
How much to replace an EGR valve in the UK?
» ON AVERAGE £150 – £500
A new EGR valve will cost depending on car model between £90 – £350. The labour costs for replacement are usually significantly higher. Here it depends on the hourly rate of the workshop and how long the replacement takes.
The average in the UK is about £60 – £150 per hour. The total price includes the diagnosis, a new EGR valve and its replacement. Here is an example of the EGR valve replacement cost for a VW Golf 4:
Cost example: EGR valve replacement – VW Golf 4
Overview | Cost |
|---|---|
New EGR valve | £120 |
Labour cost, 1 hour | £100 |
Total cost | £220 |
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The EGR valve replacement cost vary widely
From car model to car model, there can sometimes be significant differences. This means that the costs will be different for an Audi A3, Vauxhall Astra, Jaguar XF or Ford Focus. For a BMW 1 or VW Caddy the cost can also be over £500.
In general, it is usually cheaper to make a change in older vehicles, as the EGR valve is more easily accessible. In modern cars the parts are usually installed more tightly. Below is an overview with average estimated prices for different car models.
Car model | Cost |
|---|---|
Alfa Romeo Giulietta • Alfa Romeo Mito • Chevrolet Spark • Chevrolet Matiz • Fiat 500 • Fiat Panda • Fiat Punto • Ford Fiesta • Ford Ka • Ford Escort • Hyundai i10 • Hyundai i20 • Kia Ceed • Kia Picanto • Kia Rio • Nissan Micra • Vauxhall Corsa • Vauxhall Meriva • Peugeot 206, 207, 208 • Renault Clio • Renault Twingo • Seat Altea • Seat Ibiza • Smart Fortwo • Toyota Corolla • Toyota Auris • Toyota Yaris • VW Fox • VW Lupo • VW Polo | from £150 |
Audi A1, S1 • Audi A3, S3, RS3 • Citroen Berlingo • Citroen C3 • Citroen C4 • Citroen Jumper • Dacia Duster • Dacia Logan • Dacia Sandero • Ford Kuga • Ford Mondeo • Honda Civic • Honda Jazz • Hyundai Tucson • Kia Sportage • Mazda CX 5 • Mercedes A Klasse • Mazda CX 3 • Mini • Nissan Qashqai • Vauxhall Astra • Vauxhall Mokka • Vauxhall Vectra • Vauxhall Zafira • Peugeot 308, 3008 • Renault Kangoo • Renault Megane • Seat Alhambra • Seat Leon • Skoda Fabia • Skoda Octavia • Skoda Roomster • Skoda Superb • Skoda Yeti • Toyota Avensis • Toyota Prius • Volvo V60 • VW Passat • VW Tiguan • VW Golf 4, 5, 6, 7 | from £200 |
Audi A4, S4, RS4 • Audi A5, S5, RS5 • Audi A6, S6, RS6 • Audi Q2 • Audi Q5 • BMW X1 • BMW 1er • BMW 2er • BMW 3er • BMW 5er • Fiat Ducato • Ford Focus • Ford Galaxy • Jaguar XF • Land Rover Freelander • Mercedes B Klasse • Mercedes C Klasse • Mercedes E Klasse • Mercedes GLK, GLC • Vauxhall Insignia • Porsche 911 • Rover 75 • Seat Alhambra • VW Caddy • VW Sharan • VW Touran • VW T5 | from £250 |
If an EGR cooler is installed (especially in more modern vehicles), it may also be defective, which increases costs. In addition, prices may also vary regionally. Hourly car garage rates are generally higher in and around large cities like London, Edinburgh, Birmingham or Manchester than in rural areas. All prices on this site serve as guideline values incl. VAT and may vary.
The 4 biggest cost factors for EGR valve replacement
1. Good or bad accessibility of the EGR valve
2. Type of damage to the EGR valve
3. Hourly rate of car garage
4. Price for the new EGR valve
Choose an EGR valve in original part quality! For safety reasons, it is always advisable to use parts in the original part quality. Brand-name parts in original part quality increase the service life and minimize the risk of engine damage. Well known manufacturers of quality EGR valves include: Triscan • Herth+Buss • Valeo • Meat & Doria • Febi Billstein • Pierburg • Hella • Blueprint
What is an EGR valve?
The EGR Valve (EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is a very important component of exhaust gas recirculation. It serves to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases produced during the combustion of the fuel in the engine and the release of nitrogen oxides into the environment.With exhaust gas recirculation, some of the exhaust gases produced return to the intake side of the engine via a pipe and the valve, where they enter back into the engine combustion chamber together with the fresh gases.The recirculation of the oxygen-depleted and carbon dioxide-laden exhaust gases suppresses fresh air in the intake pipe, which reduces the oxygen content of the gases in question. The recirculated exhaust gases are not involved in the combustion process, but must still be reheated, i.e. they absorb thermal energy, which lowers the overall combustion temperature.
What does an EGR valve do?
Exhaust gas recirculation does not continuously take place, but only in the partial load range when the engine is running especially lean. Exhaust gas recirculation makes little sense after a cold start, during the warm-up phase or when the engine is running at full load. The EGR valve is required to control the exhaust gas recirculation. It opens and closes the connection between exhaust manifold and intake pipe. The valve is located on the engine, usually near the exhaust manifold. Using control electronics, it is possible to activate exhaust gas recirculation only under certain load conditions and engine temperatures and to deactivate it in driving situations when makes little sense to use it.
Signs and symptoms of a faulty EGR valve
» Do not ignore signs of a faulty EGR valve!
There are various warning signs that can indicate a defect. Below is a frequently occurring problems and symptoms. If any of these symptoms occur, you should examine your car’s EGR valve and replace it if necessary.
» Lighting up of engine indicator light or exhaust gas warning light
» Black exhaust smoke
» Decreased engine power
» Higher fuel consumption
» Gas pedal does not pull through properly when pressed down
» Storing an error code in the error memory
» Jerking engine while driving
Can I still drive with a faulty EGR valve?
» Visit the workshop soon!
We strongly advise against a longer journey. A bad EGR valve causes an unclean combustion. This causes the engine to run at the wrong combustion temperature and soot deposits in the cylinder head and other components. This soot further worsens the handling of the car and can lead to expensive subsequent damage, so that even more parts have to be replaced.
EGR valve cleaning or replacement?
The main cause of failure is when the EGR valves are stuck open. This means that after a thorough cleaning, the component can sometimes work again. Here it is worthwhile having the garage check whether a cleaning is a worthwhile option. Although this does not represent a permanent solution to the problem, it can temporarily ensure that the symptoms disappear. In many cases, however, cleaning is only recommended to a certain extent because, depending on the vehicle, the turbocharger and possibly the drive shaft must also be removed when removing the valve. The installation work drives up costs while the EGR valve itself is relatively inexpensive. In the event of mechanical or other visible damage, it is absolutely essential to replace the component. By the way, it is not worth resorting to used car spare parts here, as the degree of wear inside the valve cannot be estimated.
EGR valve cleaning: How does that work?
Often the garage recommends replacing the entire valve, which can quickly cost several hundred pounds. Sometimes an EGR valve cleaning can be a cheaper alternative. But what exactly is done in the garage with egr valve cleaning?
» Removing the cover The EGR valve is often hidden on the vehicle by the engine cover. This is usually only plugged in and can be easily removed. The EGR valve is then visible. In some newer vehicles, which are more tightly built, the turbocharger and drive shaft must be removed first.
» EGR valve is disassembled The EGR valve can now be removed. To do this, the plug, if present, must be disconnected and the fixing screws loosened. The valve is often very tight and must be levered out with a screwdriver. With the older models, the valve is often easier to reach. Often only a hose has to be removed, after which the valve is visible.
» EGR valve cleaning If the valve has been removed or is now visible due to the removal of the hose, cleaning can begin. Any coarse or stubborn dirt can be scraped off and removed with a screwdriver. The valve must then be sprayed with an appropriate cleaner such as an intake system and throttle valve cleaner.The cleaner must now be left on for several minutes. Afterwards the cleaner can be rubbed off with a cloth. Repeat this procedure until the valve is clean.
How much are the EGR valve cleaning costs?
If one EGR cleaning is enough, you can expect to spend about an additional hour for this work. This depends on the hourly rate of the garage. Authorised service centres are usually somewhat more expensive than independent car garages. However, the average hourly rates in the UK are around £60 – £150. The cost for EGR valve cleaning is in most cases somewhat lower than for replacement. This is because the material costs for EGR valves can be saved and they are usually higher than one hour of labour.
When to replace an EGR valve?
It is difficult to standardise the wear of an EGR valve, as the interval is very much related to the driving style. It is therefore all the more important not to ignore possible symptoms and to act promptly.
One tip for a longer EGR valve life: Drive on the motorway now and then! If the engine very rarely reaches operating temperature due to frequent short-distance driving, the residues in the EGR valve are not burned and can therefore be deposited more easily. Therefore, it can help to drive on the motorway from time to time to bring the engine up to operating temperature.
How long does the garage need for an EGR valve replacement or cleaning?
» On average 1-2 hours
Usually the replacement of the EGR valve is completed after 1 hour. For some older models, half an hour is sometimes sufficient. For tighter built models, the replacement can take 2-3 hours. The exact time and effort required depends on whether the valve is easily accessible, or whether it is in a difficult to reach installation position, where it may be necessary to dismantle the valve beforehand after additional parts. In the case of an EGR valve cleaning, a little more than one hour can be added for cleaning.
How you can save money with the EGR valve
1. Reacting early on symptoms can save a lot of money Dont ignore symptoms! If you react directly at the first symptoms of a faulty EGR valve, you can save yourself a lot of money and trouble. This saves you expensive subsequent damage.
2. Make a price comparison! Even in the same city, EGR valve replacement prices can vary greatly from garage to garage. To save time and effort and to find the most cost-effective solution, it is worthwhile to compare the prices in different garages and check the prices for your region before each visit.For this you can use the free garage comparison (all offers at a fixed price) on this page.
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FAQs
Is it worth cleaning an EGR valve? ›
Cleaning your EGR valve will solve your car's engine performance issues related to any clogging or system passages problem with the valve. Even more importantly, it'll prevent serious engine damage and expensive repairs.
Is it better to clean or replace EGR valve? ›The exhaust fumes are definitely beneficial but they can clog the valve once they accumulate over time. This can cause clogs on the valve and a host of other engine problems. Experts agree that the valve must be cleaned every few years.
Is EGR valve expensive to fix? ›The average cost of replacing the EGR valve in your vehicle is anywhere from $250 to $350 on average, depending on your vehicle's year, make, and model as well as the type of system it has. The cost of parts will be somewhere around $190 to $270, while the cost of labor will be anywhere from $60 to $80.
How long does it take to clean EGR? ›How long does it take to clean EGR? Cleaning an EGR value takes between 45-60 minutes if the valve is just dirty and clogged up. It can take longer if the valve is stuck open or a more thorough clean is needed – such as a full engine carbon clean.
How do you prevent EGR valve failure? ›Moreover, many EGR problems can be avoided by simply ensuring that the vehicle is maintained regularly and gets a decent blat down a highway at least once a month, with plenty of accelerating and decelerating (pottering around town at low speeds is especially bad for EGR valves).
How many miles should an EGR valve last? ›There's not one specific answer to how often an EGR valve should be replaced. Some will recommend getting it replaced every 40,000–50,000 miles. However, like with most other things in your vehicle, there is no mile number set in stone for when a piece of equipment will wear down and break.
How do I know if my EGR valve is stuck closed? ›If the EGR system is clogged up, or the valve is stuck closed, the combustion temperature increases. This may cause pinging (detonation), as well as surging on light acceleration. In a diesel engine, a bad EGR valve is one of the causes of a black smoke. The Check Engine light might also come on in either case.
Can you clean EGR valve without taking off? ›How To Clean A EGR Valve With Spray Without Removing It - YouTube
What damage can a faulty EGR valve cause? ›A damaged EGR valve is most likely to cause your vehicle's engine to begin to use up a lot of fuel than normal. For instance, your vehicle is normally on an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon or 10 liters per 90 kilometers.
Does EGR damage engine? ›So not only does EGR hamper performance by coating and then shrinking the size of the intake path, but it is also hard on engine oil, and even degrades the coolant that is used to cool off the exhaust gases passing through the EGR cooler.
What causes EGR valve failure? ›
The failures are usually caused by a build-up of deposits in the EGR valve over a period of time that causes them to stick. This build-up is part of the ordinary operation of the vehicle and should be regarded as a serviceable item requiring repair or replacement.
Does cleaning EGR valve improve performance? ›A clean EGR valve can reduce the amount of nitrous oxide emitted from your car. Also, cleaning the EGR valve can help increase the longevity and performance of your car's engine.
What sensor controls the EGR valve? ›Critical sensors are an exhaust manifold pressure sensor (P2), an intake manifold pressure sensor (P2) and a speed density estimate of total mass flow. Exhaust and intake manifold pressures are used to control the EGR valve and VGT vanes.
How do you test a EGR valve? ›How To Test EGR Valves | Old vs New - YouTube
What is the best EGR valve cleaner? ›Sea Foam has been around since 1942, and for good reason: they have a line of highly-trusted automotive cleaning products. Their SS14 Cleaner and Lube can be used to clean your EGR valves effectively.
How much does a EGR clean cost? ›On average, it will cost you about $100 to get a mechanic to clean your EGR valve. You can clean the valve yourself to save money. If the EGR valve is broken, you can expect to pay about $300 for a new one. The typical price range is between $200 to $600.
How do I know if my EGR solenoid is bad? ›Common signs include engine performance issues like decreased power and acceleration, engine pings or knocks, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Can EGR valve make noise? ›Another symptom of a bad or failing EGR tube is rattling noises from the engine bay. If the EGR tube breaks or comes loose, it can cause rattling noises as a result of the metal tube vibrating. The noise may be quiet at idle, and become more noticeable when accelerating.
How do you clean an EGR valve while driving? ›Cool Trick to Clean EGR Valve in Your Car (Low Flow Code P0401)
Does the EGR valve affect gas mileage? ›The EGR valve cycles open and closed based on throttle movement and intake manifold vacuum to reduce exhaust emissions. If it sticks open due to carbon deposits and heat distortion, it creates a vacuum leak and rough operation. This will adversely affect fuel economy.
What is an EGR flush? ›
EGR Flush is an alkaline detergent formulated to remove carbon exhaust buildup and other residual contaminants from large truck Exhaust Gas Recirculation system parts, including sensors, valves, coolers and filters. DIRECTIONS. Remove the part to be cleaned from the vehicle.
Can I replace my EGR valve myself? ›In most models, replacing an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is not difficult. You can do it in your garage in about an hour or two depending on your particular system, using some common tools and a good solvent like carburetor cleaner.
What will happens if EGR valve is blocked? ›Fuel economy: If the EGR valve becomes clogged, which happens after thousands of miles, combustion will be uneven and more fuel will be consumed. To keep the engine in a state of perfect efficiency, don't underestimate or forget the EGR valve.
Is EGR valve open at idle? ›The EGR valve is closed when the engine is starting up. During idle and at low speeds, only a small amount of power is required, and therefore only a small amount of oxygen, so the valve gradually opens – it can be up to 90% open at idle.
How do you know if a valve is stuck open? ›How To Diagnose Sticky Engine Valves - YouTube
Is there a fuel additive to clean EGR valve? ›Additives in premium diesel fuel help reduce fouling of the EGR valve, EGR cooler and turbocharger. A typical #2 diesel can burn incompletely and leave deposits.
Where do you spray EGR cleaner? ›Spray the product for 2 seconds into the air intake manifold but DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY INTO THE INTERCOOLER. After each spray, wait until the idle rpm is restored and engine runs stable.
Can you unplug EGR valve? ›Premium Member. If you drive the car long enough to reach full operating temp - THEN pull over unplug the EGR it will not give you a code until the next time you start the car. This is a good way to test the EGR because the with and without comparison is immediate.
What code will a bad EGR valve throw? ›Engine code P0401 could be caused by a number of things, including a clogged EGR valve, a faulty EGR temperature sensor, or an engine vacuum leak.
Can EGR cause misfire? ›Yes, a bad EGR valve can cause a misfire. When the EGR valve is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to misfire. The EGR valve is responsible for recirculating exhaust gases back into the engine.
How often should an EGR valve be cleaned? ›
Every 50,000 or so miles, car manufacturers recommend that the EGR valve and different passages be cleaned. You don't have to wait for this time before you start cleaning the valve.
How much does it cost to clean EGR valve? ›On average, it will cost you about $100 to get a mechanic to clean your EGR valve. You can clean the valve yourself to save money. If the EGR valve is broken, you can expect to pay about $300 for a new one. The typical price range is between $200 to $600.
How long do EGR valves last? ›Typically if your vehicle has been made in the last two decades, it is outfitted with an EGR valve. While there is no set mileage that it should be replaced, it is important to check that it is in good working order. It is suggested that every 50,000 miles you have a carbon cleaning done, which is an air induction.
Can EGR valve be cleaned? ›How to Clean EGR Valve in Your Car (How It Works) - YouTube