1999 Nissan Maxima EGR Code

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MAH481
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima with 69,000 miles on it. At the recommendation of my mechanic, I had the EGR valve replaced on my car in November 2005. I recently had some other routine work done (July 1 2006), and I had them diagnose what was going on with the car (the check engine light was on). They came back and said the EGR valve needed to be replaced. I became a little suspect since I had just had it replaced only 7 months earlier.

My question to you is, do you think it more likely that they just forgot to clear the diagnosis codes, or that the EGR valve needs to be replaced again? What should be an adequate lifetime for this part? Should this be the case, is it reasonable to request the work be re-done without (or with minimal) charge? For your reference, I later came home and researched how to check the diagnosis codes myself (the code read EGR Insufficient or Excessive flow detected).

Thanks for your help.
Jul 1, 2006 at 6:46 AM
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JOUGH626
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55 POSTS
Clear the codes. Double check the connections for the EGR Valve. If you still get an error code, the EGR Valve could be faulty. It should last the life of the vehicle, as long as nothing happens that would harm it (i.e. burns tons of oil, super rich air/fuel mix, exhaust gas over temp). If you get the fault code again, go buy a new one yourself and put it in. Then, go return the old one and say that it didn't fit. :) I hope this helps.
Jul 1, 2006 at 9:02 AM

Suggested Repair

Clear the diagnostic codes and inspect the EGR valve connections. If the EGR insufficient or excessive flow code returns, the valve may be faulty and should be replaced. An EGR valve should normally last the life of the vehicle unless oil burning, a rich mixture, or excessive exhaust temperature damages it.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Nissan Maxima had the EGR valve replaced, then about seven months later the check engine light returned with an EGR insufficient or excessive flow code and the shop recommended another replacement. The expert advised clearing the codes and checking the EGR connections first. If the code returns, the valve may be faulty; under normal conditions it should last the life of the vehicle unless damaged by oil burning, a rich air-fuel mixture, or overheated exhaust.

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