What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
August 30, 2020
If you've ever felt your vehicle hesitate, go, then hesitate again, you might think there's something wrong with the transmission. After all, it's not moving smoothly down the road. But there are plenty of malfunctions that can cause those symptoms, one of them being something you may have never heard of: the EGR valve.
EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It's a system that channels small amounts of exhaust back into the engine to cool down the cylinders and reduce polluting gases. Those include nitrogen oxides that can cause smog. The EGR valve regulates how much of the vehicle's exhaust gas is recirculated. After years and long distances traveled, that valve can get clogged or fail. Sometimes the EGR valve can stick open. When the EGR valve isn't working properly, your vehicle can start releasing those nitrogen oxides and pollute the air.
The symptoms of a malfunctioning EGR valve include:
- Engine losing power
- Engine idling roughly
- Pinging and knocking sounds in the engine
- Stalling and hesitation
- Fuel economy decreasing
- Check Engine light illuminated
Depending on its condition, the EGR valve can be cleaned or it may need to be replaced. Consult with your service advisor to see what options are recommended to you.
The EGR system is part of your vehicle's pollution and emissions control equipment. If you care about keeping our planet's atmosphere clean, you'll want to make sure it's doing its job—for everyone's benefit.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair
Straight Steering Starts Here
July 26, 2026
Wheel alignment is one of those maintenance items you probably dont notice until something doesnt feel quite right. But alignment plays a major role in how safely and smoothly your vehicle handles. If your wheels arent all pointed in the right direction, everything from steering response to tire ... More
Timing Cover Replacement
July 19, 2026
Your engine has a lot of parts that need to work in harmony in order to keep you powering down the road. Some of those parts need to be protected in order to keep things running smoothly, and one that does the job is called a timing cover. It is in the front of your engine and shields components... More
That Clunk Isn’t Normal: Why Your U-Joints Need Lubrication (Lubricate U-Joints)
July 12, 2026
If youve noticed a clunk when shifting from park to drive, accelerating from a stop or letting off on your accelerator, it may be your vehicle warning you about dry or failing U-joints. Those are small, critical components in your drivetrain that allow the driveshaft to flex as your suspension mo... More