Air Intake
EGR Valve
An EGR valve, short for exhaust gas recirculation valve, lets a small amount of exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx emissions. We carry 119 EGR valves from $26 to $1244 for 1982-2020 vehicles, from Standard Motor Products, Dorman and DIY Solutions, with fits for the Honda Accord and Odyssey, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Impala, Volkswagen Jetta and GMC Sierra 1500.
Shop egr valve by vehicle
Signs of a bad EGR valve
A valve that sticks open lets exhaust in at idle, causing a rough idle, stalling or hesitation. A valve that sticks closed raises combustion temperature, which can cause pinging or knock under load and higher NOx at an emissions test. Either way you may see a check engine light with an EGR flow or position code. Carbon buildup is a common cause, so clean the EGR passages in the intake while the valve is off, or the new valve may not flow correctly.
Diaphragm or linear
Older EGR valves use a vacuum diaphragm to open the valve, often with a separate solenoid controlling the vacuum. Newer linear valves have an electric motor or solenoid and a position sensor, with a wiring connector. The two are not interchangeable, so match the type your engine uses. Many valves here come with a gasket, and some include mounting hardware. Check the listing and plan to replace the gasket either way.
Fitment and installation
Choose your year, make and model, then check the fitment table for engine, since one model often used different valves by engine size or emissions package. Compare the part number on your old valve. Let the engine cool before you start, since the valve sits in the exhaust heat path. Use a new gasket, tighten bolts evenly, clear the codes after installation and drive the vehicle so the computer can retest the system.
EGR Valve questions
Can a bad EGR valve cause rough idle?
Yes. If the valve sticks open, exhaust enters the intake at idle when the engine expects none, which can make it run rough or stall. Cleaning or replacing the valve usually fixes it.
Should I clean or replace my EGR valve?
If the valve is mechanically fine and only carbon fouled, cleaning can work. If it is stuck, leaks vacuum, or has an electrical fault, replacement is the better choice. Clean the passages either way.
Will a new EGR valve clear a P0401 code?
Only if the valve was the cause. P0401 means insufficient flow, which is often caused by clogged EGR passages or a bad vacuum solenoid. Clean the passages and test the solenoid before replacing parts.