what exactly is the EGR valve and what does it do? appearantly mine had some condensation in it so i needed to replace it? I would just like to know what would cause the moisture to get in the EGR valve?

thanks

 

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
What it does is to re-cycle a small amount of the exhaust gas air stream back into the intake system. Operation is limited to times of steady throttle and (mostly) deceleration operating conditions.
As I understand it, doing this lowers the exhaust gas operating temperatures slightly, and produces lowered emissions and longer catalyst lifespan.
As far as the moisture issue, the valve operation is nothing more than a vacuum/spring operated diaphram. As vacuum is applied to the diaphram, higher pressure on the opposite side of the diaphram causes it to move, overcomming a return spring and opening the valve. To return the valve to normal, the vacuum port is dumped off to normal atmospheric pressure and the spring closes the valve. Doing this operation many times over it's life, the valve is constantly shutteling air in and out. Over time, normal atmospheric moisture is bound to build up and eventually the metal components will start to oxidize (rust) and the diaphram will also deteriorate. Either condition will render the valve non-functional.
Dialtone

 

would this cause lower gas mileage? my service engine soon light is on right now and the code for it was this very egr valve. the dealership told me they had a recent TSB or recall for Explorers up to 2001...go figure, mine is a 2002! i called a second dealer just in case and no dice...they wanna charge me 72 dollars for that damn part!! i think they're full of it. i also thought that since this was an emissions problem that it would be covered under the 7/70,000 emissions warranty but alas...NO it's not! any suggestions? similar problems guys?

robert

 

I'd have to go back and talk to Ford again. That is part of the emissions and is supposed to be covered for at least 5 years.

 

I would have to agree with stepman on this one. Unless the federal laws on emission related equipment has changed, emissions related parts are required to have a 70K mile warranty. Although Ford argued with me, I managed to convince them that EGR valve WAS emissions related on a 83 Ranger I once owned. EGR valves definately qualifies as emissions related.
Before you go off and change the valve though, keep in mind that most of these failure codes end up being the DPFE sensor and not the valve itself. EGR has 3 main parts to the system
1. EGR valve itself
2. DPFE sensor to detect the amount of EGR valve opening
3. 2 control solenoids. One to step port vacuum to the valve and one to dump it off to atmospheric pressure (Open and close)

As far as the fuel use issue, a stuck closed valve should produce no noticeable affect on fuel mileage (may even get a slight increase). However a stuck open valve will produce a rough idle or even stalling engine at low RPM's and will probably play havoc with fuel consumption and cause computer to throw some really wierd codes in addition to EGR related codes.
Dialtone

 

well, the dealer isn't budging...i'll keep trying though.

 

What is their reasoning for that?

 

Just found this on Federal emissions related laws. Looks like they wimped out on the public again.
Bottom line, unless you are still in the base warranty period, you have been had again.
Dialtone

. Clean Air Act Warranty Provisions (42 U.S.C. S 7541 (C) (3) (B))

The federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle makers to provide two emissions-related warranties -- a production warranty and a performance warranty. The production warranty requires the vehicle maker to warrant that the vehicle is designed, built and equipped so that it conforms with emissions requirements at the time of sale. The performance warranty requires the vehicle maker to warrant that the vehicle will comply with applicable emissions requirements as tested under state vehicle emissions inspection programs for the warranty periods specified in the law (for model year 1995 and later vehicles, the warranty is 2 years/24,000 miles for all emissions-related parts and 8 years/80,000 miles for the catalytic converter, electronic emissions control unit and on-board diagnostic device). The performance warranty is conditioned on the vehicle being properly maintained and operated.

 

Just for grins, I checked my warranty booklet for my 99 Contour. It clearly states that ford extends the warranty on the emissions system to 3/36 over and above federal mandate of 2/24. What is covered section CLEARLY lists EGR valve and associated parts as a covered item.
Also, if you are in Claifornia (and couple of others too), this state requires manufactures to provide extended emissions warranties up to 7/70 range on almost all components (and that incledes EGR valve also)
Pull your owners manual and read it over carefully and you should find enough amunition to argue with so long as you are still inside the time & mileage limits that apply to your state of registration.
Dialtone