Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
EGR System - Gasoline: Description
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is designed to reintroduce small amounts of exhaust gas into the combustion cycle, thus reducing the amounts of NOx emissions. The amount of exhaust gas recycled and the timing of the cycle are controlled by such factors as engine vacuum, exhaust system backpressure, altitude, temperature, throttle angle and engine speed.
Typical systems consist of an EGR valve, carburetor EGR port, vacuum tank, check valve, and a Ported Vacuum Switch (PVS) and/or a Temperature Vacuum Switch (TVS).
An EGR Vacuum Regulator Control system is used on some models. This system combines a ported EGR valve with a Backpressure Variable Transducer (BVT) to control NOx emissions.
Models with Electronic Engine Control (EEC) systems use an electronic EGR system with an electronic EGR valve with a EGR-Valve Position (EVP) sensor. In addition, these vehicles use an exhaust cooler which uses coolant to reduce the temperature of exhaust flowing through the EGR valve and into the engine.
Some selected 2.0L and 2.3L engines use an EGR valve and transducer assembly which consists of an external entry ported EGR valve and a pressure tap to provide a backpressure signal to a remote transducer. This system operates the same as the integral backpressure transducer valve system. Function checks are the same as that system.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.