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.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
Overview
The EGR system controls the NOX emissions. Small amounts of exhaust gases are recirculated back into the combustion chamber to mix with the air to fuel charge. The combustion chamber temperature is reduced, lowering NOX emissions.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
The EGR system consists of an electric motor EGR valve integrated assembly, a MAP sensor, differential pressure feedback EGR sensor, PCM, EGR cooler, exhaust pressure (EP) sensor, and exhaust gas recirculation temperature bank 1, sensor 2 (EGRT12). Operation of the system is as follows:
The EGR system receives signals from the ECT or CHT sensor, TP sensor, CKP sensor, and the MAP sensor to provide information on engine operating conditions to the PCM. The engine must be warm, stable, and running at a moderate load and RPM before the EGR system is activated. The PCM deactivates the EGR during idle, extended wide open throttle (WOT), or whenever a concern is detected in an EGR component or EGR required input. The PCM calculates the desired amount of EGR for a given set of engine operating conditions.
The EP sensor measures the exhaust pressure by comparing the EP sensor calibrated value to the actual EP sensor value. The EP sensor is used primarily to determine EGR cooler effectiveness and is also used for converting EGR flow to EGR valve position.
The EGRT12 sensor measures the exhaust gas temperature downstream of the EGR cooler and is monitored by comparing the EGRT sensor calibrated value to the actual EGRT sensor value. The EGRT12 sensor is primarily used for EGR flow calculation and is also used for EGR cooler diagnostics.
The monitor checks the electric EGR valve circuits for opens and shorts. The monitor compares the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor to a calibrated value and the electric EGR valve commanded position to determine if EGR flow is present.
The monitor checks for the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor for opens and shorts. The differential pressure feedback EGR sensor hoses are tested for connection and restriction at idle. The PCM commands the EGR valve closed and the monitor tests for the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor to indicate no flow is present. The PCM commands the EGR valve open and the monitor tests the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor voltage to indicate flow is present. The stop start option on some vehicles requires the hose tests to run during off idle conditions.
The intake manifold pressure is higher when the EGR is flowing than when it is not flowing. When the exhaust gas is delivered into the intake manifold, the MAP sensor reading increases.
The exhaust manifold provides a source of exhaust gas to the EGR cooler, EGR orifice tube and EGR valve.
The EGR cooler is monitored by comparing the EGRT12 and EP sensors calibrated value to the actual EGRT12 and EP sensor values. Under cooling and over cooling conditions are monitored.
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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.