EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve

Word of caution - EGR valves and Exhaust Systems get very hot. EOBD CODE :P0401 PO400 P1407 P1408 P1409 Code 51 Insufficient EGR Flow, EGR Problems What is an EGR valve for heavens sake? EGR stands for "Exhaust Gas Recirculation. Some of your exhaust is fed back to the engine through a valve (usually vacuum operated) to lower combuston temperatures and reduce NOX pollutants. As your engine wears, horrible black grunge builds up in the EGR and closes it off like an artery. The net result is .. you fail the emissions tests Wonderful. Mechanics love them. Why? Because they can clean them out, shine them up and charge the living heck out of you for "emissions repair" Quite a little cottage industry are EGR Repairs. What is it? "Definition: The EGR valve is the main emissions control component in the exhaust gas recirculation system. The valve is located on the intake manifold and meters a small amount of exhaust gases back into the intake to lower combustion temperatures....." Does not get any more boring than that. So, as the main part of the vehicle emissions system, the EGR reduces combustion temperature to control oxides of Nitrogen ( NOx) being released. When it fails it ... Causes Pinging or engine knock when the engine is under load. A code P0401 means .... There is a blockage in the tube going to the EGR, or from the EGR to the intake (carbon buildup) from worn engine. Maybe the EGR valve is bad - won't open perhaps due to a lack of vacuum The EGR valve is easy to find. Follow the exhaust from the exhaust manifolds and you will find a tap off them near the engine. Follow this to a valve that seems connected to the intake - The EGR valve. Replacing the EGR may NOT stop the code from returning. You should test the EGR valve first. Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's. Yes, you can suck it open with your mouth! Horrible, but doable! A working EGR will cause a drop in RPM's or even kill the engine when you force the EGR open at idle.(it's only supposed to open later on in the rev range) Clean out the EGR valve and the tubes leading to, and from the valve (if any) to remove deposits I like to hit them gently (ok hard) with a hammer - not very efficient but fun as heck. All the black stuff comes pouring out. B12 will sometimes clean it too, but not as much fun. Replace the DPF sensor Replace the EGR valve - if tests show it no longer works.

The DPF sensor has a two pipes, these are connected to either side of the DPF this measures the pressure difference. If the filter is blocked the pressure difference will be greater and the ECU will try to make the DPF regenerate to clean itself.

DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTERS DPF The DPF filters, harmful particulates (soot) from the exhaust gas and has been designed to regenerate (clean) itself automatically, however it can only do this by heating the DPF to high temperature, the ECU injects additional fuel on the exhaust stoke to increase exhaust gas temperatures to raise DPF temperature(600C) to ignite and clean the soot away, however it can only do this at high RPM (above 2.000rpm) so if it comes on, you need to drive at high speed for 20-30minutes to clean the DPF. Notes for VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat If the DPF light is the only warning light on, you should drive vehicle at over 2000 rpm (to raise exhaust temperature) for 20 minutes without delay, this should regenerate the particulate filter (burn off the accumulated soot) and the light should go out. If you have DPF light and the engine management light are on together, have vehicle towed to dealer. The dealer will be able to make the vehicle, with the aid of EOBD diagnostic equipment go into forced regeneration and clear filter. Don't run vehicles with diesel particulate filters on 100% bio-diesel only use EN 590. Only use low ash engine oil. DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER SENSOR The DPF sensor has a two pipes, these are connected to either side of the DPF this measures the pressure difference. If the filter is blocked the pressure difference will be greater and the ECU will try to make the DPF regenerate to clean itself.