Affordable Solution for a Volkswagen’s Loose EGR Valve in Allentown
by schearerswpadmin August 17, 2020The Volkswagen brand started in Germany in 1934. This “people’s car” became the symbol for Germany’s economic miracle.
Volkswagen continued to gain prestige through innovative and flexible manufacturing systems and cutting-edge solutions that include e-mobility and digitalization. Through all this advancement, Volkswagen remains a car of the people, keeping to its economic and affordable roots while offering their drivers a smooth and exciting ride.
A loose EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve can cause issues with the entire system resulting in a loss of power, reduced acceleration, a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in fuel emissions.
Common Symptoms of a Loose EGR Valve
The EGR valve is a part of the emissions system that recirculates exhaust gases into the vehicle’s intake to reduce cylinder temperatures and NOx emissions.
While there are four symptoms of a loose EGR valve, these can also be symptoms of other engine problems, so if you notice any of these issues, take your vehicle to a Volkswagen repair shop so they can diagnose the correct problem and repair it quickly and correctly the first time.
Engine Performance Issues
A loose EGR valve can impact the air-to-fuel ratio, which will cause performance issues in a usually-dependable Volkswagen. You may notice a reduction in power or a decrease in fuel efficiency. As you accelerate, you may also notice a hesitation, or the car may even stall. You may also notice the smell of fuel because of the high level of hydrocarbons leaving the tailpipe. If this happens, you want to take your car to a certified Volkswagen technician as soon as possible.
Rough Idle
Over time, it is common for the EGR valve to loosen and become stuck in the open position, leading to rough idling. This can occur upon engine start when the engine is cold, at a stop light, or when moving at low speed with a warm engine, such as driving through a parking lot. The Volkswagen is not engineered to idle roughly, so if this begins to happen, you should go by your auto shop and have them diagnose any problems.
Pinging or Knocking Sounds When Accelerating
Your Volkswagen has been engineered to accelerate quietly and smoothly. If instead you hear a pinging or knocking sound (also known as a spark knock) when the car accelerates or goes any speed above idle, you may have a faulty EGR valve.
The noise is caused by the fuel detonating instead of burning steadily within the engine. If the right amount of exhaust is not allowed to dilute the air-to-fuel mixture and lower the temperature in the combustion chamber, other engine components may fail over time. These are noises you cannot afford to ignore.
Check Engine Light
If the car’s computer detects a problem with your Volkswagen’s EGR valve, it will notify you by illuminating the check engine light. The Volkswagen uses the check engine light to notify you of a multitude of other problems. If this light does illuminate, you will want to make an appointment with your Volkswagen auto shop to ensure the correct diagnosis and repair.
An Auto Shop is Your Most Affordable Option
The symptoms of a loose EGR valve are also indicative of problems with spark plugs, spark plug wires, the fuel filter, the fuel pump regulator, and various engine sensors. A strong smell of fuel can indicate a problem with your fuel injector, bad ignition timing, bad cylinder compression, bad oxygen sensor, or other issues. You could spend a small fortune in time and money trying to diagnose and correct the problem, or you can visit a professional who will diagnose it quickly and fix the true problem.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc.
The most affordable solution for your Volkswagen is a visit to Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. We provide quality auto repair and service to the Lehigh Valley and Berks County areas including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA.
We provide all aspects of vehicle repair and include a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty on our work. We also help you with scheduled maintenance by completing evaluations on your Volkswagen to alert you of upcoming maintenance requirements and potential problems so you can budget for any repairs.
Our Volkswagen-certified technicians do everything we can to keep you and your vehicle on the road where you belong. Set up an appointment at Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc., easily accessible from Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA, and let us show you why we are Allentown’s leading European automotive service center.