What is the Exhaust Pressure Control Valve all about?

Diesel vehicles are equipped with systems that minimize air pollution and the emissions coming from the tailpipe. For diesel engines, especially equipped with a turbo, a system called exhaust gas recirculation is used to bring exhaust with unburned fuel back through the combustion chamber to burn even more thoroughly. This system’s flow is controlled by an exhaust pressure control valve, which senses changes in the exhaust pressure and controls the vacuum through the EGR valve.

It is mounted directly onto the body of the turbo. It limits the amount of ‘dirty’ air that is circulated back through the engine under certain throttle positions and conditions. If the exhaust pressure control valve is not working properly, the engine light can come on. The engine will run rough as an improper amount of air is metered into the engine, and you can see evidence of large amounts of unburned fuel coming out the tailpipe in the form of black smoke or soot.

Keep in mind:

• The exhaust pressure control valve is difficult to diagnose without specialized equipment and should only be performed by one of our expert mechanics.
• All exhaust and emissions parts like the exhaust pressure control valve are required to be in working order in state smog or emissions tests.

How it's done:

• The vehicle is supported on jack stands
• The defective exhaust pressure control valve is removed
• The new exhaust pressure control valve is installed
• The vehicle is removed from the jack stands
• The vehicle is road tested to check exhaust system

Our recommendation:

The exhaust pressure control valve should last the lifetime of your vehicle. If your engine light comes on and you experience a loss of engine power, you may need one of our expert technicians to replace the exhaust pressure control valve.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Exhaust Pressure Control Valve?

• Check Engine light is on
• Noticeable loss of power
• Excessive soot from the exhaust

How important is this service?

An unrepaired exhaust pressure control valve can cause further, more expensive repairs to the turbo or exhaust gas recirculation system. As it dramatically affects your engine’s performance, the exhaust pressure control valve should be replaced as soon as symptoms are present and the condition has been properly diagnosed.