HOW TO CLEAN THE EGR VALVE ON ANY CAR? -

In this article, you’ll see how to clean the EGR valve.

If you have problems with it, cleaning is the first thing you can do to try and solve the problem.

It is often the cheapest solution also.

We’re showing this example on our Skoda Fabia but the basic principle of cleaning is the same for any other car.

The main difference is in the location of the valve, the accessibility, the design, and how it is held in place.

So whatever car you drive, this video should help regarding how to clean the EGR valve.

If you want to see our video about car repairs, driving, and else, visit us at our YouTube channel.

Here are some links to other related articles:

10 REASONS FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT-SKODA FABIA

HOW TO DISCONNECT VW ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS?

10 IMPORTANT CAR SPRAYS YOU SHOULD HAVE

CAN YOU DRIVE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF EGR PROBLEMS?

Most problems with the EGR valve are caused by soot and filth that gather over time inside the valve, especially in diesel engines.

The EGR valve which stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve regulates the flow of a portion of the exhaust gases to the air intake where these gases are again combusted and burned. A type of recycling system so to say.

So it is only natural that soot and filth gather and settle inside the valve over time.

When the EGR valve is blocked, you’ll notice symptoms like rough idling, poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption the check engine light appearing, and else.

So, the point of all this is simple: clean and remove the soot and filth from the valve mechanism so it can properly function again.

For more detailed information about the EGR valve, click here to read a great article from Wikipedia.

HOW TO FIND THE EGR VALVE?

The location of the EGR valve depends of course on the engine type but the easiest way to find it is to look between the exhaust manifold and the air intake manifold.

The size and look of the valve vary from engine to engine but the basic similarities would be that it’s connected to the exhaust manifold, it has an electrical connection and wires to it, and some kind of pipe or hose going from it to the air intake.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR CLEANING?

In most cases, you won’t need many tools for removing the EGR valve. It varies from engine to engine and also highly depends on how accessible the valve is.

Take a look at the EGR valve on your car and you’ll easily conclude what sockets, spanners, or else you’ll need.

You will also need a cleaning spray. We recommend buying the spray made specifically for this purpose.

One can of spray should be more than enough for the whole job.

HOW TO CLEAN THE EGR VALVE?

We recommend that before starting to learn how to clean an EGR valve, make an inspection under the hood.

See if the EGR valve is accessible, can it be removed and returned without causing any problems.

In some cases, cleaning is not the problem but getting to the valve is.

Some engine bays are crammed, some EGR valves are positioned in places where you have to do some serious dismantling to get it off, some are impossible to reach without serious interventions, and else

This goes double for high-tech, high-end cars.

Please consider this before starting to avoid getting into trouble.

Back to the procedure.

In general, it goes like this:

1. DISCONNECT THE MINUS CLAMP ON THE BATTERY

This isn’t, in most cases necessary but it is a good safety precaution.

2. DISCONNECT THE ELECTRIC CONNECTOR

Disconnect the electrical connection to the EGR valve (if there is one)

3. DISCONNECT ANY PIPES OR HOSES

Every EGR valve will have some sort of pipe, hose, or connector to it. These funnel the exhaust fumes to the air intake.

They are usually held in place with screws, bolts, clamps, or else.

Release them so you can make some space to remove the valve.

When talking about how to clean the EGR valve, this part is somewhat tricky since the pipes and hoses tend to get brittle over time and crack.

Pay some attention to this part.

4. RELEASE THE SCREWS, BOLTS, CLAMPS HOLDING THE EGR VALVE

Release the screws or bolts holding the valve. You should be able to clearly see these. There are two, three, or more screws or bolts holding the valve to the exhaust manifold.

5. CLEAN THE EGR VALVE

Once the valve is out, check if there is soot and filth inside of it. If so, you may have found the problem.

Take the spray and start cleaning. Clean just the mechanical part of the valve, avoid spraying the electronic parts.

Best to use short bursts and rinse until the valve is clean and shiny.

The end result should be as if the valve is brand new.

Let the valve dry out and let the spray completely evaporate.

6. RETURN THE EGR VALVE INTO PLACE

After this, return the valve into place, tighten the screws or bolts, and return all the hoses, pipes, and the electrical connection.

Make sure everything properly sits in place (especially various seals), and that everything is tightened to avoid any exhaust fume leaks.

7. RETURN THE MINUS CLAMP AND START THE ENGINE

Return the minus clamp and tighten it. Start the engine.

If everything is OK, the engine will start immediately, you may notice a rough idle at first but it should go away quickly.

It may take some time for the ECU to „learn“ the new parameters since the EGR valve is hopefully properly functioning again.

You can even take the car for a short drive to see if everything is OK. If the check engine light was on, it should go off automatically after a few engine starts.

In some cases, you might need an OBD tool to perform the needed resets and adjustments, especially on high-tech cars.

CONCLUSION

Once again, this is the basic principle of how to clean an EGR valve.

On the Skoda, it’s pretty straightforward and fairly simple, on other cars it can be much more complicated.

Again, take a look at your car’s engine, check out the EGR location, and see if it’s a DIY job.

If there are serious accessibility issues prepare yourself in terms of tools and knowledge but maybe consider letting a workshop or dealership do it for you.

In the end, cleaning the EGR valve should be considered regular maintenance, especially with diesel engines which are especially prone to problems with this part.

Also, if the fuel quality in your country is poor, be sure to clean the EGR valve on a regular basis.

Otherwise, you may have frequent problems.