Where Is the Egr Valve on a 2001dodge P/u With 5.9

Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology.

egr-system-and-common-problems — Author's own work.

The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system is part of the emission control system of your vehicle. When something goes wrong, one or more symptoms may warn you about the potential problem in the system:

rough idle
detonation
poor fuel economy
poor acceleration
stalling

Learn what the EGR system does, what can go wrong with it, and some strategies that will help you diagnose potential problems with specific parts of the system.


Index
1. The Function of the EGR System
2. VIDEO: How the EGR System Works
3. So What Can Go Wrong With the EGR System?
4. Common EGR System Faults
5. Common EGR Symptoms
6. VIDEO: EGR System Potential Problems
7. EGR System Diagnostic Strategies
8. Is It Better to Clean or Replace the EGR Valve?
9. Resources

...the EGR system helps protect your engine and the environment.

1. The Function of the EGR System

The job of the EGR system is to reintroduce a certain amount of exhaust gases back into the intake manifold to be reburn with the air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders.

Broadly, this only happens during cruising speeds to reduce engine temperature and control the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which is very harmful to the environment.

Since the 1970s, car manufacturers have fitted vehicles with an EGR valve to accomplish this. Early versions of this system operate with a vacuum controlled valve. During the 1980s and 1990s, electronic controls were introduced with the use of different types of sensors. Modern vehicles may use fully electronic (digital) type EGR valves or use a different technology, like a variable valve timing (VVT) system, in charge of controlling NOx emissions.

Ultimately, the EGR system has a positive effect on the engine:

it has better performance
becomes more fuel efficient
and operates with lower emissions

So the EGR system helps protect your engine and the environment.

In the next silent video, you can see graphically how the EGR system recirculates exhaust gases to reduce NOx emissions. It shows an Audi system model, but it can be applied to most emission systems.

2. How the EGR System Works

3. So What Can Go Wrong With the EGR System?

The EGR system can fail in many different ways.

Depending on your particular EGR system configuration, a system fault may show up in one or more ways:

The EGR valve may open at the wrong time.
The EGR valve may stick open or closed.
Exhaust or intake passages, including valve passages, may clog.
A system related sensor may fail.
A vacuum hose may become loose, restricted or damaged.
A sensor circuit may fail.

3.1 Vacuum Operated EGR Valves

Older, vacuum operated valves are fitted with rubber diaphragms. Over time, this diaphragm can rupture and cause the valve to remain closed.

3.2 Electronic EGR Valves

Modern, electronic operated valves can suffer from short or open electrical circuits. Circuit sensors can also fail, including the DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor, depending on your particular model. In most cases, this is enough to trigger the Check Engine Light (CEL).

3.3 Both Types

Whether your engine uses a vacuum or electronically controlled EGR valve, both types can suffer from carbon buildup after years of service. Exhaust gas recirculation will deteriorate until flow is completely stopped.

In the same way, engine performance issues will appear gradually. You'll begin to notice:

rough idle
poor performance
poor fuel economy
higher engine temperatures

4. Common EGR System Faults

EGR systems suffer more often from two common faults:

Carbon buildup: This is perhaps the most common issue. System passages, and the valve itself, clog up eventually.

Soot from exhaust fumes accumulate around these passages over time until gasses can no longer flow, obstructing EGR valve operation. Many times, the valve gets stuck closed or open.
Vacuum hose problems. Because vacuum hoses operate under extreme heat conditions, constant vibration and, often, exposed to oil, grease and other fluids, it's not uncommon for these hoses to become loose, deteriorate, and become damaged.

5. Common EGR Symptoms

If the EGR valve sticks close, you'll notice one or more of the following symptoms:

A pinging or tapping noise
Detonation
High engine temperature
Poor fuel economy
Check engine light on

If the EGR valve sticks open, you'll notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Reduced engine power
Rough idle
Hesitation or stalling on acceleration
Check engine light on

One or more of these symptoms can also happen when a EGR system sensor goes bad or there's a malfunction in the electrical circuit or vacuum hose related to the system.

However, keep in mind that these symptoms are not exclusive of EGR system trouble. Intake gasket failure, MAF sensor problems, oxygen sensor issues and many other faults can also lead to one or more of these symptoms.

That's why it's important to properly diagnose the problem before replacing components.

The following video gives you a quick summary of potential problems that can result from a faulty EGR valve.

6. EGR System Potential Problems

7. EGR System Diagnostic Strategies

Tackling a problem with the EGR system with a few strategies will save you time and money.

The most common problems affecting the EGR system is carbon buildup and vacuum hose issues. Visually inspect every vacuum hose in the system to make sure they are properly connected and in good condition.
On most modern vehicle models, a problem in the EGR system will trigger the check engine light. Scan your car's computer memory for potential codes, even if you don't see the CEL light on. A pending code, or another code related to the EGR system, may give you the clue to the problem.

Common EGR related codes range from P1403 through P1406 along with a P0400 series.
Depending on model, a manufacturer or car shop may recommend decarbonizing EGR system passages, and sometimes the EGR valve, every 15 thousand or 50 thousand miles. This is because carbon buildup gradually clogs system passages, preventing the system from working properly.

Remove the EGR valve and decarbonize passages, if you haven't perform any maintenance on the system within the last two to three years. You can use a EGR valve cleaner.
If you are noticing a rough idle or poor engine performance, spray some starting fluid into the throttle body and see if engine idle improves for a few seconds. If it does, you may have a problem with a stuck-open EGR valve, or a vacuum leak issue. Check all vacuum hoses connected to the EGR system first, then check for a bad EGR valve or intake manifold gasket.
Troubleshoot EGR valve operation. On many vehicle models, all you need is a hand-held vacuum pump and a digital multimeter. Your local auto parts store may loan you any of these tools, if necessary.
Consult your vehicle repair manual to locate components and check specific troubleshooting procedures for your particular model and configuration system.

If you don't have your car repair manual yet, you can buy one through Amazon. Haynes manuals include step-by-step procedures, including photographs and images, for many maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts replacement projects you can do at home.

Also, make sure to check the posts listed in the Resources section at the bottom of this post. One or more of these articles will help in your diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures.

The important thing is to diagnose the problem sooner rather than later to prevent a faulty component or failing system from playing havoc with your engine and emptying your wallet.

8. Is It Better to Clean or Replace the EGR Valve?

It's hard to establish a common lifespan for all EGR valves in use today. It all depends on the particular valve configuration, engine maintenance, and driven miles.

However, a typical EGR valve has a lifespan of around 10 years. If your valve is below this mark and doesn't seem to have a problem with carbon buildup, you may decide to clear passages and reuse the same valve. Unless the valve itself has failed.

Cleaning an EGR valve may not remove all the carbon buildup to guarantee proper operation after reinstalling the valve. Besides, using a valve cleaner freely to get rid of all soot particles from inside a valve may cause damage to the valve.

And performance problems may come back soon after. So it's better to install a new valve.

Resources

Symptoms of a Bad EGR Valve
Recognizing symptoms of a bad EGR valve will help you troubleshoot potential problems sooner and restore engine performance faster.
How to Test an EGR Valve: A Simple Procedure
Learn how to test an EGR valve in a few minutes to confirm you actually need a new replacement.
Possible Causes for a P0401 Code From Your EGR
P0401 code causes may vary from one vehicle model to another, but you still have a chance at figuring out and solving this emission trouble code.
How to Diagnose a DPFE Sensor Problem
Testing a DPFE sensor and other potential faults to consider.
How to Replace an EGR Valve
Replace the EGR valve and remove carbon deposits to ensure proper operation of the emission control system and eliminate engine driveability issues.
How to Clean an EGR Valve
Do a cleaning EGR valve job at home to improve engine performance and prevent serious engine mechanical problems.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Where Is the Egr Valve on a 2001dodge P/u With 5.9

Source: https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/EGR-System-and-Common-Problems

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