Most Audis made within the last 20 years have an exhaust gas recirculation valve, or EGR valve. The EGR valve is responsible for increasing your vehicle’s efficiency and drastically reducing emissions.
There are a number of side effects of a bad EGR valve that will be discussed in this article as a guideline for when to replace the EGR valve. This article will also cover the role of the EGR valve and its importance in your car’s functioning.
The Function of the EGR Valve
The EGR valve takes some of the exhaust gases from your vehicle’s exhaust manifold and sends it back to the intake manifold. The exhaust gas is no longer combustible, so it lowers the average combustion temperature in the engine. This prevents the creation of noxides, a type of gas that is formed in gasoline engines at very high combustion temperatures. Noxides are dangerous to the environment and are a main component of smog. The introduction of the EGR valve helped to reduce smog in many cities.
When to Replace the EGR Valve
There’s not one specific answer to how often an EGR valve should be replaced. Some will recommend getting it replaced every 40,000–50,000 miles. However, like with most other things in your vehicle, there is no mile number set in stone for when a piece of equipment will wear down and break. It is best to look for the following symptoms and base your replacement on them.
If you notice the following issues with your vehicle, it may be caused by a bad EGR valve that may be either stuck fully open or fully closed, allowing in either too much or too little exhaust gas in the intake manifold. It may also be caused by a clog in the EGR valve or another problem. Look into them yourself or have a trusted mechanic inspect the valve if you notice these signs:
High Emissions
This is difficult to identify, but high emissions are the direct result of a failed EGR valve. If your car’s EGR valve isn’t working, you may not pass an emissions test. If the valve is somehow stuck open, too much exhaust gas will enter the intake manifold and combustion will not be efficient and the vehicle will release unburned hydrocarbon gases. Conversely, if the valve is closed, high combustion temperatures will cause an increase in noxides to be produced and escape in the exhaust.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Your car may function poorly if the EGR valve is stuck open and too many exhaust gases enter the engine.
Rough Idle
If your vehicle bounces or shakes when idling, it could be caused by a poor EGR valve or valve that is stuck open. The increased exhaust gases in combustion can cause the engine to misfire and idle roughly.
Knocking Noises
You may start to hear knocking noises coming from your engine if the EGR valve isn’t functioning properly. A closed EGR valve may cause the fuel to ignite early due to the high internal temperatures in the engine. This can result in popping and knocking noises.
It is important to keep in mind that while these are all signs of an EGR valve that needs to be replaced, many of these signs can also be a sign of a different problem in your Audi.
Where to Get Your Audi’s EGR Valve Replaced
If your Audi has any of the symptoms listed above or hasn’t had its EGR valve replaced in over 50,000 miles, you should take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop to get the valve inspected and possibly replaced.
My Euro Pro has the expertise and equipment to evaluate the condition of your Audi’s EGR valve and replace it to get your car running smooth and clean once again. We have locations in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Wilmington, SC and are proud members of these communities.
Our friendly staff and knowledgeable ASE-certified technicians make sure our customers and their European imports are taken care of without breaking the bank. Our no-interest financing options through Bosch Service are designed to help our customers. Stop by and visit any of our three locations or give us a call anytime.