What does the EGR valve do on a Dodge Ram?

The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve on a Dodge Ram is responsible for recirculating some of the exhaust gases back into the combustion process. Its main function is to lower emissions by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases that enter the environment . The EGR valve uses an electric motor controlled by the PCM (powertrain control module) to control the amount of exhaust gas entering the combustion chamber. When the EGR valve fails, it can cause various issues such as misfiring, detonation, hard starting, poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and even engine stalling. It is important to replace a faulty EGR valve to ensure that the engine performs well and to prevent potential damage to the vehicle.

What happens when EGR is blocked?

If the EGR is blocked, it can get stuck open or closed, resulting in too much exhaust getting into the cylinders at the appropriate times, or not enough. The EGR valve can also fail due to a tear in the vacuum seal if your vehicle uses this kind of system.

Can you drive a truck with a bad EGR valve?

Technically you can drive without a working EGR valve.
The role of your EGR valve is to reduce the number of toxic NOx gases in the air, so if it isn’t working quite right, more toxic gases will be released into the air. For this reason, we don’t recommend driving without a working EGR valve for too long.

What is the most common causes of EGR failure?

However, the single biggest cause of failure is the buildup of carbon particles from the exhaust gases along the EGR and intake system passages. Over time this will clog tubes, exhaust gas channels and eventually the valve’s plunger mechanism, causing it to either stick open or close.

Does removing EGR valve improve performance?

One of the main benefits of an EGR delete is improved performance. The EGR system is known to cause carbon buildup in the intake manifold and reduce airflow to the engine. Deleting the EGR system reduces carbon buildup and improves airflow to the engine. This will result in better performance.

What happens when the EGR valve goes bad?

A faulty EGR valve affects engine performance by creating rough and jerky accelerations. It also reduces engine power, which is noticeable during low and high speeds. The problem is more noticeable at low speeds when the valve is stuck open and more apparent at high speeds when the valve is stuck closed.

Will EGR throw a code?

However, some older EGR systems are completely vacuum/mechanical and have no feedback. So the only symptom you would get might be a poor idle, or even an engine that dies at idle. In modern cars plugged EGR or Stuck open EGR can throw a code.

How do I know if my EGR valve is stuck open?

And hesitation. And in some cases you might even have a misfire. Especially under hard loads. And sharp accelerations.

What happens if you don’t replace EGR?

Increased NOx emissions: when the EGR valve remains shut, the resultant high temperatures in the combustion chamber will leave a lot of unburned fuel in the exhaust, leading to increased NOx emissions and reduced fuel efficiency.

How do you tell if your EGR valve needs to be cleaned or replaced?

When Do You Know It is Time to Clean?

1. Difficulty in starting the engine.
2. Rough idle.
3. Engine vibration.
4. Poor acceleration of the engine (during drive)
5. Engine easily running hot.
6. Engine ‘ping’ when under load.
7. Smell of unburned gas fumes.
8. Decrease in gas mileage.

What are the disadvantages of removing EGR valve?

Now with EGR Delete you might cause adverse effects like increased exhaust gas temperature and reduced horsepower in some diesel engines. However, the list of benefits bypasses these disadvantages.