How to Fix a Faulty EGR Valve

The EGR valve on your commercial truck is an integral aspect of driving.

In internal combustion engines exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is an emissions reductions technique that recirculates some of the engine’s gas back into the engine cylinders. As a result, incoming air is diluted and the gasses act as absorbents to the combustion heat to reduce peak in-cylinder temperatures. So, to make a long story short, the EGR is there to cut back on your vehicle emissions. The presence of an EGR makes a more environmentally-friendly truck.

If your EGR valve is faulty or broken, you’ve got a real problem. As one of the most important parts on your truck, keeping it in good condition is crucial, if you want your new truck to keep running smoothly.

So, how do you know if there’s a problem, and how do you fix it?

Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Truck

If the EGR valve is on its way out, you’ll be given plenty of warning. The following symptoms go hand-in-hand with a faulty or broken EGR valve:

• Engine performance issues: Having problems with acceleration, power, or fuel efficiency?

• Rough idling: Experiencing a bit more of a vibration than usual when stopped?

• Faulty engine light: Check engine light coming on for no good reason?

All of the above symptoms could indicate a faulty EGR valve, as well as the presence of heavy emissions stemming from the exhaust.

How To Fix Your EGR Valve

Luckily, fixing the EGR valve is easy enough. EGR valves either become stuck in the open position or stuck in the closed position, so once you’ve figured out which problem plagues your own truck, you can get on with the rest.

Closed Position: This means that the EGR valve is stuck shut and refuses to open. There will be increased nitrous oxide gas which will create engine knocking.

Open Position: Rough idling and problems with acceleration are the two most common indicators that the EGR valve is stuck open. The truck might also stall excessively. When the EGR valve is stuck open, all of the exhaust gas cycle back into the chamber, meaning there’s not enough oxygen for a combustion to take place.

At Somerville Hino, our Service Centre is the best hospital for any sick truck. Our expert service technicians will identify the problem quickly, so that you can get back to being on the road. Based in the GTA? Call us today at 416-860-1600 or book a service appointment online.