None of us like it when our vehicle develops a fault. Partly due to the potential cost to repair it, and partly due to the added inconvenience a faulty vehicle can present us with. Sometimes the problems are easily identifiable and can be rectified at home, other times, you may not know where the problem stems from, or how to try and fix it.
One such example is the EGR valve. Your Land Rover can be exhibiting a variety of symptoms that indicate all is not well, but knowing whether it is a faulty EGR valve or something else needs a little investigation.
In this edition of our blog, we explain how you can tell if the EGR valve on your Land Rover needs replacing and how to spot when it could be on its way out. Don’t forget, we also have a handy guide that could help you discover whether your Land Rover head gasket is faulty, a problem that can be not only damaging but costly.
What is the EGR valve on a Land Rover?
The EGR valve, or the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, is an important part of your Land Rover and without it, you could be finding your vehicle encountering several problems. The EGR valve plays a vital part in keeping exhaust emissions at safe levels and is essential in ensuring vehicle compliance in areas where emissions regulations are enforced. The ULEZ for example.
Exhaust gases from your Land Rover need to be cooled before being omitted from your vehicle and to do this, they are sent back into the combustion chamber via the EGR. This helps to lower the temperature and reduces the production of Nitrogen Oxides that not only pollute the atmosphere but also pose a health risk. In the simplest terms, its purpose is to make the air less combustible so it can’t burn as fast, or as hot in the combustion chamber. It does this by diluting the oxygen in the air-fuel ratio, reducing the temperature, and therefore reducing the harmful nitrogen oxides.
How does the EGR valve work on a Land Rover?
The EGR valve is fairly simple. When it opens it allows exhaust gases to pass through it and see that emissions are controlled. When it closes, nothing passes through. As a result, when you first start up your Land Rover, the valve will be closed, but as you pick up speed, and the engine heats up, the valve begins to open. Once you slow down, or come to a stop, the valve will close again. The recirculation of the gases will only occur once the engine has reached its working temperature, helping your Land Rover to release fewer emissions and deliver premium fuel efficiency. Modern Land Rovers include an electronic EGR that receives messages from the systems of the vehicle, while older vehicles that have an EGR operate with a vacuum controlled by a solenoid.
What causes the EGR on my Land Rover to become faulty?
Several factors can lead to the EGR on your Land Rover failing. These can range from issues at manufacture to poor vehicle care. Common causes include:
- Bad quality fuel
- Lack of vehicle care
- Faulty parts
- Poor manufacture
- Excesses of dust, temperature, or heavy loads
How do I know when the EGR valve on my Land Rover is failing?
There are several indicators that your valve could be faulty. An EGR valve should be able to last ten years or more, but a lack of vehicle care, cheap replacement parts, or the wrong fuel can see the valve begin to falter much sooner than it should. However, where you drive and how you drive can also be a factor. The deposits left behind from fuel can cause the EGR valve to stick open or remain shut. A motorway drive, for example, allows the engine to get hot enough to see carbon deposits dissipate leaving the valve to work as normal. A drive through the lower speed towns, villages or suburbs sees the slower speed allow for the carbon to build up and see your EGR valve start to stick.
If you notice any of the following issues with your Land Rover, your EGR valve could be faulty.
You notice your Land Rover is not performing as it should
An EGR that isn’t functioning correctly may stay open or closed. This can lead to an inconsistent performance of your vehicle.
Your fuel consumption is increased
Your fuel consumption will increase rapidly if the EGR valve remains constantly open. If you notice you are getting through much more fuel than normal, you could have a stuck EGR valve.
Your Land Rover is stalling when idling
If your Land Rover is left parked with the engine running (idling) you can see the EGR stay open and let exhaust gases constantly flow into the EGR system.
Your Land Rover fails emission tests
The EGR valve plays an important role in the control of emissions. If your Land Rover fails any emission tests, it could be because your EGR valve is no longer operating as it should.
You can constantly smell petrol/diesel
The smell of fuel normally means that there is a continuous flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold. With the vehicle at low revs, not all the fuel burns meaning that there is a higher level of hydrocarbon exiting the tailpipe which then gives the increased smell of fuel.
Knocking sounds
If your EGR is failing to open, you could hear knocking sounds. This will be because the combustion temperature in the engine is increasing. This is common during acceleration.
Can you still drive if you have a faulty EGR on your Land Rover?
You can but shouldn’t. Short drives, perhaps to the Land Rover service specialist will be ok but long drives could cause significant damage and put you at risk.
If you believe you have a faulty EGR valve, you should speak to our service centre. We can advise on the ideal next steps you should take.
If you have reason to believe your Land Rover is not in the condition it should be, speak to the team at RCV. We are the independent Land Rover specialists for Kent and London, offering our years of experience to ensure your vehicle remains in its best possible condition. Using manufacturers diagnostics, approved genuine or OEM parts, and a team of highly trained technicians, we deliver the premium service you deserve. With prices up to 40% lower than main dealers, choose RCV for your Land Rover MOTs, servicing and alignments.