What is the EGR Valve?

DON777

MEMBER
2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
65,789 MILES

Service Engine light goes on occasionaly, but not always. Mechanic told me he needed to clean the EGR valve. So I paid him $100 to do that. Month later the Service Engine light goes on occasionally again. Now he wants to replace the EGR valve. The engine killed once on me during this period. Does this make sense to you?

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

It might be a different problem that's causing the SES to come on-Rescan the computer and confirm the code/s and then get back with it-

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Monday, November 21st, 2011 AT 10:28 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

"Exhaust gas recirculation" valve. It lets a little inert exhaust gas into the engine to take up space and leave less space for fresh air and gas. It lowers combustion temperature to reduce emissions and improves fuel mileage. That valve should not open at idle or low speeds. It can cause stalling and stumbling due to not enough fresh gas and air entering the engine. They can stick open due to little chips of carbon holding the valve open. Cleaning can help that and is worth a try to avoid wasting money on a new valve if it isn't needed. Sometimes carbon gets inside where it can't be cleaned out and causes it to stick. Then, replacement is the only option.