Where is the EGR valve located?

In most cars, the EGR valve sits on or near the intake manifold or throttle body, and is connected to the exhaust manifold by a small pipe. Exact placement varies by make, model, and engine type.

General rule of thumb

While there are exceptions, the EGR valve is normally found along the path that recirculates exhaust gas back into the intake. On many gasoline engines, you’ll see it mounted on or near the intake manifold or throttle body. In several newer designs, the valve is integrated into the throttle body assembly. Diesel engines commonly place the EGR valve closer to the exhaust side of the engine, often near the exhaust manifold or a nearby EGR cooler.

Common locations by engine type

These examples cover typical layouts you’re likely to encounter. Always verify with your vehicle’s documentation or a repair manual for exact placement.

• Gasoline engines with traditional EGR: mounted on the intake manifold or just behind the throttle body, connected to the exhaust manifold via a small pipe or tube.


• Modern gasoline engines with electronic EGR: often mounted on the intake manifold or integrated into the throttle body, with a wiring harness or sensor connector.


• Diesel engines: usually located near the exhaust manifold or alongside the EGR cooler, with a metal pipe directing exhaust gas into the intake system.

Note that some models place the EGR valve under engine covers, or on the firewall side of the engine compartment. For precise location, consult the service manual or a dealership repair database for your specific model.

How to find it on your vehicle

Use these practical steps to identify the EGR valve on your car or truck. This guide helps you spot the valve by its connections and typical mounting style.

1. Open the hood and locate the exhaust manifold area; follow a small-diameter metal or rubber pipe toward the intake manifold. This path often leads to the EGR valve.


2. Look for a small, round or rectangular metal valve with a vacuum hose or electrical connector attached—usually near the throttle body or on the side of the intake manifold.


3. Inspect for signs of a valve that could be mounted directly on the throttle body or atop the intake manifold. Some designs place the valve beneath a cover or close to the firewall.


4. Consult the owner's manual or a repair guide specific to your model for the exact location and identification, or ask a dealer or independent shop for confirmation.

If you’re not comfortable locating or servicing the EGR valve, have a qualified mechanic perform the inspection. Handling exhaust components and the related cooling systems can involve hot surfaces and carbon buildup.

Why the location matters

The EGR valve’s position matters for diagnosis and maintenance. A stuck, leaking, or carbon-clogged EGR valve can cause rough idling, reduced performance, increased emissions, or engine knocking. Knowing where to look speeds up testing, cleaning, or replacement.

Summary

Most EGR valves reside on or near the intake manifold or throttle body and are fed by a pipe from the exhaust manifold. However, exact placement varies by engine type and model—gasoline, modern electronic designs, and diesel configurations each have typical patterns. For precise location, refer to your vehicle’s service manual or consult a qualified technician.

What are symptoms of a faulty EGR valve?

Common symptoms of a bad EGR valve include a check engine light, rough idling or stalling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. Other signs can be engine knocking or pinging, a fuel smell from the exhaust, and failing an emissions test.
 
Performance and engine issues

• Rough or unstable idle: The engine may shake or vibrate more than usual while idling. 
• Stalling: The engine may stall, especially when coming to a stop or while idling. 
• Poor acceleration: The vehicle may feel sluggish and hesitate when you try to accelerate. 
• Engine knocking or pinging: A closed EGR valve can cause higher combustion temperatures, leading to a knocking or pinging sound. 
• Engine overheating: A closed valve can prevent the engine from cooling down properly. 

Fuel and emissions problems 

• Poor fuel economy: The engine may use more fuel to compensate for the faulty EGR system. 
• Increased emissions: The vehicle's emissions will be higher than normal, potentially causing it to fail an emissions test. 
• Fuel or exhaust smell: You may notice an unburned fuel smell inside the cabin or a general exhaust odor. 

Warning lights

• Check engine light: This is one of the most common and obvious signs. It often comes on with specific codes like P0401 (insufficient flow) or P0402 (excessive flow). 

How much does an EGR valve cost to replace?

An EGR valve replacement typically costs between $100 and $700, but this can vary widely depending on your vehicle's make and model. Parts alone can range from under $50$ 50$50 to over $1,000$ 1 comma 000$1,000, and labor costs add to the total, with some estimates ranging from a couple of hours to over three. Diesel engine replacements are often in the $350$ 350$350 to $900$ 900$900 range, while petrol engines may range from $400$ 400$400 to $1200$ 1200$1200. 
Cost factors

• Parts cost: The price of the replacement EGR valve itself can vary significantly, from less than $50$ 50$50 to over $1,000$ 1 comma 000$1,000. 
• Labor cost: The complexity of the job is influenced by the vehicle's make and model, as well as the location of the valve. Some models may take an average of 1.5 hours to replace, while others are more complicated and take longer, say ClickMechanic. 
• Vehicle type: The cost can differ based on whether your car is a diesel or a petrol engine. 
• Additional repairs: Sometimes, the issue may be more extensive. For example, a clogged EGR tube or a related component like a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) may need to be replaced, which can significantly increase the cost. 

How to get an accurate estimate

• Check with a local mechanic or dealer: Get a quote from a few different shops to compare prices for both parts and labor. 
• Provide your vehicle's details: Be sure to have your car's year, make, and model ready when you call, as this will affect the final price. 

How do I locate my EGR valve?

And then find the pipe coming out of the exhaust. Manifolds. So in this case you can see the pipe coming out kind of runs to the back of the engine. Let's go to the other side of the engine.

Can I replace my EGR valve myself?

EGR valve itself is easy to replace, with very minor spillage. I removed mine, soaked it, replaced it without issue.