The exhaust gas recirculation valve within your vehicle is a very important component. The EGR valve works to reduce emissions from your vehicle. The valve directs the exhaust gases into the intake manifold before entering the combustion chamber. This acts as a cooling effect, causing less creation of harmful gases. Since the valve deals with exhaust gasses, carbon build-up is common. As the carbon builds up, the valve can become stuck and will need to be cleaned. It is important to clean the valve to ensure your vehicle runs cleanly and efficiently.

  • The exhaust gas recirculation valve within your vehicle is a very important component.
  • Since the valve deals with exhaust gasses, carbon build-up is common.

Park the vehicle and turn the engine off. Allow the vehicle to cool for a half-hour. If the vehicle has been driven a long distance, allow up to an hour.

  • Park the vehicle and turn the engine off.
  • If the vehicle has been driven a long distance, allow up to an hour.

Open the bonnet of your vehicle. Locate the EGR valve. The valve is found on the intake manifold and is shaped like a mushroom. The valve has a large vacuum hose going from the manifold to the valve and also has an electrical connector on the side of it. If needed, refer to the repair manual for your make and model, as the location can vary.

Unplug the vacuum hose. The hose will come out of place easily with a slight pull. Unhook the electrical connector. Grasp the sides of the connector and pull straight out. Place both components to the side to avoid damage while removing the EGR valve.

Locate the two bolts securing the valve in place. Remove the bolts using the appropriate sized socket paired with a socket wrench. Once the bolts are removed, the valve can now be removed.

  • The hose will come out of place easily with a slight pull.
  • Remove the bolts using the appropriate sized socket paired with a socket wrench.

Spray the valve with carburettor cleaner. Be sure to get every part of the valve. Allow the cleaner to penetrate the carbon build-up for five minutes. Clean the valve using a wire brush and rag. Be sure to clean the inside of the valve carefully until all carbon is gone. The valve should now be moving up and down freely.

  • Spray the valve with carburettor cleaner.
  • Be sure to clean the inside of the valve carefully until all carbon is gone.

Reinstall the newly cleaned valve. Position the valve so the holes on the valve align with the holes on the mount. Replace the two bolts and tighten. Plug the hose back into the valve. Connect the electrical connector; push the connector in place until it clicks signalling it is secured. Close the bonnet of the vehicle.