Glossary / Engine

EGR valve

8 Episode Mentions
Too Afraid to Ask

The EGR valve is a small component that lets some exhaust gases go back into the engine to keep it from overheating. If it’s stuck or not working, the car can make a knocking noise and run poorly.

Technical Definition

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve recirculates a portion of exhaust gases back into the intake to reduce combustion temperatures and lower emissions. A faulty or "lazy" EGR valve can cause engine knocking, poor performance, and increased emissions.

Hear It Discussed

"or having a device called the EGR valve not function correctly. Right. And I suspect you have a lazy EGR valve..."

#2594: Having Fun with a US Census Agent The Best of Car Talk 23:54

"If it's a bad oxygen sensor, if it's a EGR valve, whatever it is, it's on and it's telling you that there's a problem."

Great Talk About Cars and Everything Automotive Under The Hood show 16:47

"Right, you know, maybe we've got an EGR valve stuck open? What years? This is an O nine. I believe we've got an EGR on this car. If we've got an EGR, do we have a stuck open EGR valve?"

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 9, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Problems Your Car Isn’t Warning You About Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 11:36

Cars Known For This

Chevrolet Sonic Jeep Wrangler

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