EGR Off/Removal
EGR or Exhaust Gas Recirculation is a system used in cars with internal combustion piston engines. It was made to reduce the amounts of toxic pollutants in cars’ emissions.
As its name suggests, it’s a type of valve used for reducing the amount of emissions produced by the engine. It works by recirculating a measured amount of exhaust gasses back to the engine through the air intake system.
Unfortunately, carbon deposits from the constantly recirculated gasses build up in the intake manifold, the valve itself and other parts along the way. Eventually, the carbon layer gets so thick, it causes the parts’ failures.
It’s nothing more than a cooler that keeps the recirculating gases’ temperature as low as possible before they re-enter the engine. Unfortunately, EGR coolers are rather susceptible to cracking, which leads to coolant leaks/loss. Newer models of Common Rail engines have swirl flaps and solenoids on their coolers, which are monitored by dedicated sensors. Failure of these elements is indicated by fault codes or warning lights.
Symptoms Of Faulty EGR
Multiple symptoms are related to faulty/blocked EGR valves and coolers. Newer cars will also display associated fault codes. The most common symptoms and warning signs are listed below.
Valve Fault Symptoms:
- Limp Mode
- Loss of power
- Lower fuel consumption
- Reduced throttle response
Warning Signs:
- Glow Plug Light flashing
- Engine Management Light
- Fault Codes (e.g., P0401, P0403)
Cooler Fault Symptoms:
- Lower engine performance
- Coolant loss/leaks
- White smoke from the exhaust pipe
Warning Signs:
- Engine Management Light (in later CR engines)
- Glow Plug Light flashing (in later CR engines)
- Fault codes (e.g., P2425, P2457)
EGR Off Files
Faulty EGR valves can be removed entirely. Some car models may have other than standard EGR valves - e.g., built into the inlet’s manifold. These can be replaced with simple blanking plates or switched for our EGR Delete Race Pipe Kits (after changing the manifold).
When the valve gets blanked off or removed, the ECU will no longer receive its signal, resulting in “emissions workshop” warning light turning on. This light can be disabled by an EGR Off file.
Benefits Of Removing EGR Valves
- Lower engine temperatures
- Reduced oil contamination
- Improved throttle response
- Reduced carbon deposits in the engine
- Improved economy
CAUTION! EGR valves should NOT be removed if cars still have their DPFs in place - doing so may block the DPF as the EGR valve is essential for its regeneration process.