The cost of an EGR valve can depend on the make and model of vehicle it is being installed in, as well as the type of EGR system itself.
Some aftermarket EGR valves may be less expensive than OEM valves, but generally speaking, replacement valves will be more expensive than a simple cleaning or adjustment of the emissions system. A wide variety of factors can affect the overall EGR valve replacement cost. The age and condition of the vehicle, the specific needs of the engine, and the availability of parts and labour all play a role in how much fair price you can expect to spend on this repair. Typically the EGR valve replacement cost between $300 and $1000 without installation.
The process of EGR valve replacement involves disassembling the intake manifold, so extra care should be taken to keep track of any gaskets( in cylinder head) or seals that may be used in conjunction with the engine unit. Once this has been completed, the stuck open EGR valve can then be removed and replaced. After this is done, reassembly of the intake system takes place after which a short drive cycle test is performed to check if the engine runs smoothly and whether if the check engine light and other components are working properly.
There are quite a few bad EGR valve symptoms that can indicate your vehicle needs EGR valve replacement job. The common signs include failed emissions test, more fuel consumption, carbon buildup, turning on of check engine light, engine knock, etc. You may notice lower fuel gas mileage during highway driving periods due to poor combustion processes in the cylinders when not using low octane fuel. You may also detect a pungent smell of exhaust fumes from the vehicle exhaust that wasn't there before, especially after rough idling or during highway driving. Your vehicle may experience rough idle and stall when coming to a stop, as well as hesitate during take-off acceleration. This is because of the improper air and fuel ratio in the combustion chamber. If the valve is in stuck open position the air and fuel ratio is affected. Hence emissions testing is required to determine the cause.
It is not recommended to drive a vehicle with a bad EGR valve, as this bad EGR valve can cause further damage to the engine performance and increase emissions of exhaust gases. The exhaust gases in the combustion chamber can cause the check engine light to turn on. If you are experiencing poor engine performance or any of the above listed symptoms of a bad EGR valve, it is best to take your vehicle in for a diagnostic inspection to determine the root cause of the engine problem as it can affect engine efficiency. In some cases, an EGR valve may only need a minor adjustment or cleaning in order to bring it back within specs, but in others, a full replacement may be required.
There are several ways your vehicle mechanic can determine that an EGR valve has failed. The failed EGR valve cause the check engine warning light to come on. If you mention any of the above-listed symptoms of a bad EGR valve to them, they may suggest a diagnostic emissions test that will involve connecting a scanner to the OBD port under your dashboard. The technician can then clear or read codes depending on whether they have been triggered by the system, and if so, which ones. Along with checking for trouble codes, a visual inspection of the EGR valve is also performed in order to pinpoint its location within the intake manifold.
In addition to replacing just the broken unit itself, many service centres recommend having all gaskets and seals replaced along with it as well since these components wear down over time. The intake system may also be cleaned using specialised equipment after the replacement has taken place.
An EGR valve is not very difficult to replace, but due to the tight space constraints involved in the process, it is usually recommended that a professional do the job. If you are comfortable working on your car and have some mechanical experience, you may be able to complete the EGR valve replacement yourself with a few basic tools. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your vehicle make and model, as well as any safety precautions listed in your owner's manual.
Replacing an EGR valve usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the level of difficulty involved. This time may be shorter or longer depending on the service centre you take your car to, as well as how many other repairs are being carried out at the same time. You can expect to pay quite a bit extra in labor costs when additional parts are replaced at the same time.
If an EGR valve is not replaced when it begins to fail, it can cause a number of problems with the car engine performance and influence the fuel economy. The car may start running rough idle and could even stall out, leading to costly repairs down the line. In addition, too much exhaust gas may mix up with the fresh air and cause improper air fuel ratio in the combustion chamber. Also, the car will not pass an emission test if the EGR valve fails to function properly. A EGR valve failure can also cause the Check Engine light to come on, which will require further diagnosis and repair.
If you are experiencing any of the common symptom or have a EGR valve problem, it is best to take your car in for a diagnostic inspection. In some cases, most EGR valves may only need a minor adjustment or cleaning in order to bring it back within specs, but in others, a full replacement may be required. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may find that your car is not driving as smoothly as before or that you're not getting the fuel gas mileage you used to. Interested in a career as a mechanic? Take a look at the Australian Government's JobOutlook website.