Where is the EGR valve temperature sensor?
Typically, the EGR valve temperature sensor is mounted on the EGR valve itself; if the design uses a separate sensor, it is usually placed on or beside the EGR cooler or in the EGR pipe near the valve. The exact spot varies by engine and manufacturer, so consult your vehicle's service manual for the precise location.
The role of the sensor
The EGR temperature sensor provides real-time temperature data to the engine control module. This information helps regulate EGR flow and enables fault detection if the gas temperature is outside expected ranges, contributing to emissions control and engine performance.
Typical locations by engine type
Gasoline engines
In most gasoline-powered vehicles with electronically controlled EGR systems, you’ll typically find the temperature sensor on or very close to the EGR valve body. Some designs mount it on the inlet/outlet of the EGR cooler or in a bore on the EGR pipe near the valve.
- On the EGR valve body itself (sensor often integrated with the valve).
- On the EGR cooler assembly or adjacent tube.
- Near the EGR port on the intake manifold side in select designs.
For gasoline engines, the sensor location tends to cluster around the valve and cooler area due to the need to monitor gas temperature before and after cooling.
Diesel engines
Many modern diesels place the EGR temperature sensor on the EGR valve or directly on the EGR cooler assembly. Some configurations use a sensor in the exhaust path downstream of the EGR valve to monitor temperature after cooling.
- On the EGR valve body.
- On the EGR cooler or its adjacent pipe.
- In the exhaust/ EGR pipe section downstream of the valve, to measure post-coolant gas temperature.
Diesel installations vary more widely, but the sensor is typically located near the valve or cooler to capture representative exhaust gas temperatures entering the intake tract.
How to locate it in your car
These steps help you identify the sensor quickly across many engine families:
- Identify the EGR valve location on your engine (often between the exhaust manifold and the intake or throttle body area).
- Look for a two- to four-wire electrical connector or a small probe/thermistor mounted on the valve body, EGR cooler, or nearby pipe.
- Check nearby the EGR cooler inlet/outlet for a sensor boss or a threaded sensor port.
- Consult the vehicle’s service manual or a wiring diagram specific to your engine code or VIN to confirm the exact sensor location.
If you still can’t locate the sensor, inspect the harness routing from the valve and cooler, or contact a dealer or qualified mechanic with your engine code for precise diagrams.
What to do if you can’t locate the sensor
Gather the following information and proceed: identify the engine family, search OEM service documentation, and use the VIN to pull up exact diagrams. If needed, request assistance from a dealership or professional technician who can point to the correct sensor and provide replacement guidance.
In all cases, handling EGR components requires care to avoid exhaust leaks or sensor damage. When in doubt, refer to the official service documentation or a trained technician.
Summary
- The EGR valve temperature sensor is usually on the EGR valve itself, but some designs place it on the nearby EGR cooler or in the EGR pipe.
- Location varies by vehicle type and engine family, so always check the specific service manual or wiring diagrams for your car.
- Use a systematic search around the valve, cooler, and exhaust/inlet piping to locate the sensor, then verify with the vehicle’s diagnostic information if needed.
