An EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve is very important for the exhaust system in a vehicle. The valve has been in use since the 1960’s and helps in increasing efficiency of vehicles and reducing pollution as well. However, whenever the EGR valve is clogged or not working as it should, engine performance can go down.

We recently worked on a VW T5 Transporter in limp mode with several faults. After methodical diagnosis we condemned the EGR valve which is attached to the cooler on this engine. Once repaired it was evident that the cooler had leaked internally into the motor housing and onto the circuit board.

What Is the EGR Valve?

Simply put, the EGR is meant to reduce emissions from the car. It reroutes some of the exhaust gases which are emitted by the engine into the combustion chambers. This effectively reduces temperatures in the combustion chambers.

With increasing restrictions to emissions, engines are having to run leaner and therefore hotter. At higher temperatures Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are produced which causes acid rain etc. By using EGR the temperature is lowered, reducing the production of NOx.

Issues with the EGR often lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption as it affects how the engine works. Call us on 01843 587376 if you think your vehicle may be experiencing any of the problems highlighted in this article.