How to Test EGR Valve
An EGR valve helps to reduce pollution and make your vehicle run more efficiently by recirculating the air from the exhaust back into the engine. When an EGR valve is malfunctioning, you will know, because your vehicle won't idle properly (it will be "rough"). Or, you may hear a knocking sound coming from the engine. This is the sound of the engine's intake/exhaust valves hitting the piston heads--which can damage them and turn your car into a very heavy paperweight. Fortunately, you can test your EGR valve in your garage, your driveway or even on the side of the road.
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Instructions
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Put the emergency brake on, and put your car in neutral if your vehicle has a manual transmission. If your vehicle is automatic, leave it in park, and put the emergency brake on.
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Pull the hood release lever to unlock the hood, and then open it up.
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Locate the EGR valve. it will be in different places on different vehicles, but it is usually located on the intake manifold or head.
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Locate the EGR valve plunger. This is what controls the exhaust recirculation.
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Have an assistant rev the engine while you check the plunger movement. If the plunger opens and closes (moves back and forth), then your EGR valve is working properly. If it does not open and close, then your EGR valve has failed or the plunger is sticking. You will have to have it removed and cleaned, or, if it has failed, you will need to have it replaced.
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