Whistling from a new EGR valve

Causes & solutions

Information on diagnostics

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is an important system in modern vehicles that helps to reduce nitrogen oxides and optimise fuel consumption. A common problem with exhaust gas recirculation is that the exhaust gas recirculation valve leaks, which can cause noise and loss of power. Hoses and seals are often affected. The result: Carbon deposits in the intake air system.

If symptoms such as an illuminated engine indicator light or increased exhaust gas values are observed, the EGR system should be checked for faults. A diagnostic tool can be used to read out the fault code memory. In many cases it may be necessary to clean or replace the defective component. Similar problems are known with turbochargers. Timely repair helps to avoid costly damage.

A special problem can be whistling from an EGR valve. The exact symptoms and possible causes are described in this article.

Potential complaint

In the repair shop, a new EGR valve was installed with the old EGR cooler. Directly after starting up the engine, the EGR module begins to whistle.

Possible cause

The old EGR cooler has overheated due to soot and other deposits and become thermally deformed. Due to a gap in the sealing area, exhaust gases escape between the EGR valve and the EGR cooler and cause the whistling sound. The newly installed EGR valve is not the cause of the whistling.

Remedy

Before installing a new EGR valve, check whether there is any soot on the old EGR cooler and the sealing area.
If the EGR cooler is very sooty, use a straightedge to check the levelness of the sealing area of the EGR cooler along a level point.
If there is evidence of deformation, the EGR cooler must also be replaced.