Honda EGR Valve Cleaning

Here's a short DIY Video on how to clean the EGR valve on a Honda engine.
This procedure is applicable to 2.4L 4 cylinder Honda engines, found on the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Element, Acura TSX, CSX, and ILX as well as other Honda models.
The EGR valve is responsible for directing some exhaust gases back into the intake manifold to be reburned by the engine. The EGR system's purpose is to absorb some of the heat in the combustion chamber, therefore reducing the amount of harmful nitrous oxide (NOx) produced in the exhaust stream.
Because the exhaust system contains carbon, after a while the EGR valve and port can become clogged with carbon deposits. Symptoms include a laggy or unresponsive throttle, or a jerky idle or coast. It may or may not be accompanied by a P0401 Exhaust EGR Flow Insufficient engine code.
Luckily most of the time the EGR port and valve can be cleaned to restore performance. There are two 12mm nuts holding the EGR valve onto the intake manifold, and one electrical connector. To get better access, it is recommended to remove the PCV hose, vacuum line and air box tube.
Carb or throttle body cleaner and a pick can be used to clean the valve/port. This video also goes into a break down of how the EGR system works, and a physical tear down of what's inside an EGR valve.
An excellent reference video on how the EGR system works:
• Principle of Exhaust G...

[@chadmiller9117]

Loved how you took it apart and showed all the inside parts. Best EGR video to date

[@speedkar99]

+Chad Miller Thanks, I love taking things apart to see how they work for myself, and it's a good way to explain too.

[@j2kerrigan]

Hey I know this is an old video but Im working on my honda and your channel is just top quality. I appreciate how methodical you are but descriptive along the way. You know your stuff and it shows! You're like a surgeon in there lol

[@speedkar99]

Glad you appreciate my videos from a while back!

[@salakiadam24]

You are awesome,I cleaned the EGR valve according to this,it wasnt clogged at all,just how much I'd expect naturally but it fixed three problems I've been having.The idle was a little rougher than I'd want,the idle would drop to about 500 then back to normal when pressing the clutch with the AC on and it ran and shook a decent amount at 1600-2000 rpm at light loads,all three of these problems are gone after the first test drive

[@speedkar99]

Awesome!

[@dereklam8864]

"Ow, ow, ow - it's hot" Best part of the video! Cheers. Not just informative, but comedic as well 'o) This guy is a professional, disassembling everything. If you're not on the same level, make sure to take pictures or videos before removing the hoses, etc so you know where to put them back in the right place...

[@billknight964]

I liked the Ow, ow, ow too. I have been there done that myself many times and found it funny to see someone else toasting their hands on a car exhaust system.

[@ephesians2_8]

Thank you. Able to save on a costly repair and got 2005 Honda back up and running.

[@bybon7965]

That was an excellent video. All information needed to complete the job. The bonus' were the explanation of the purpose of the valve and its dissection. Thumbs up

[@speedkar99]

+bybon I'm glad you found it useful, and now you know how the egr valve works. I was curious too so I took one apart from the junkyard.

[@motox103]

WOW a mechanic that uses antisieze!! Thumbs Up!

[@speedkar99]

In Canada here it's a must

[@scottroberts6820]

You need to make more videos, sir. Thank you for putting your work on the internet. It is informative, to the point, and graceful.

[@speedkar99]

I sure hope to be making more, stay tuned, thanks

[@Al-Fiallos]

Excellent instruction on all aspects of the EGR valve. Best one I've seen. Thanks for posting.

[@carlloftin2850]

Great job explaining the egr and egr air flow. Just what I was looking for...!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks , im glad it helped!

[@davidkuehn71]

Awesome Video! Clear, concise and to the point! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@speedkar99]

+da ku Short and sweet is how it should be thanks

[@joelopezjl28]

Did this cleaning on my 2011 insight and fir 120k miles it was surprisingly clean. Just a touch of carb cleaner and it was clean

[@jeanmichel6189]

EXCELLENT VIDEO You deserve an OSCAR! I like the way that you dismantled the EGR valve to show what it contains.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks I love taking things apart

[@felipecardoza5829]

Realistic video that shows all the shit you have to move out of the way to get to the EGR. Showing the guts also gives people info on how to properly clean the valve AND where it mates to the engine. You should mention that a clogged valve causes hesitation during acceleration and lowers fuel economy. Going to be cleaning my daughters EGR on her 2001 Accord. 300,000 miles!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

Liked your technique, and that Midas Connector touch... The rest of us mortals can copy the technique, but those connectors... what a pain. I just broke three today on a 27 year old car.

[@speedkar99]

Gotta be gentle with brittle connectors

[@kylebaker7737]

Thank you for taking the part apart. ☺️☺️☺️

[@sinner_otm]

The best Video how to clean EGR among others try to do the same! Agree with Chad? also "liked (Loved) how you took it apart and showed all the inside parts. Best EGR video to date!" Spasibo, khorosho!

[@speedkar99]

+Tricky The Clown Thanks, I'm glad you found it useful.

[@ogboost7610]

Even though there is no serviceable parts inside the electronic egr valve it cool to see how it’s made/ works. When cleaning the egr mounting ports just know that all that carbon that you break loose and do not remove will just get clogged in the intake manifold egr ports. I have a Home Depot’s bucket vac for vacuuming out crap like that.

[@speedkar99]

Yeah it's pretty neat to see how it works and what can go wrong

[@360Property.management]

Do More Videos!! You have a career in this. Short, detailed, to the point. SUPER clear.

[@speedkar99]

+William Kaupas Thanks for the feedback. Yea I've got a couple more videos on the Honda.

[@speedkar99]

+William Kaupas Short and to the point is my style, I like making videos.

[@212arman]

Best ever see video on KZbin so much detail, in short time

[@thurm101]

Now that was a great explanation.

[@nomadicconquistador7-5-39]

Awsome video brother, Thank you for being conscientious about using a container to clean. too many burros I see not doing so contribute to pollution. (All fluids should be disposed of properly) Hope to more of your videos..

[@speedkar99]

+Nomadic Conquistador 7-5-3 thanks, of course I didn't want that stuff staining my driveway either!

[@TishaHayes]

When you had the EGR valve apart you could of taken a Scotchbrite pad and cleaned the carbon off of the valve stem and seat. You want the valve stem to move freely without sticking. You did a great job on taking apart the actuator and extracting the magnetic coil. There are actually two electronic components in that area; the coil that moves the core and the valve stem up and down. Also at the top there is a sensor that gives feedback to the EMS system that the commanded action was successful Its amazing that there are people who will not go through the basics of cleaning the EGR valve, PCV valves, trottle body, oxygen sensor fuel injectors or the intake manafold piston galleries. Dealers will charge thousands for that work but every aspect of that ceaning can be done with just a few hand tools and cleaning chemical. other than a completely snackkered sensor or hard mechanical issues you could have a business in the back of a van, making hundreds of dollars a day.

[@speedkar99]

+Tisha Hayes thanks, Yes I could have been more thorough, but this didn't solve my high idle issue

[@jofro2040]

did u ever solve high idle?

[@shobud7561]

@@speedkar99 the high idle is coming from the computer. You have to do a RELEARN on it . Check it out on any shop manual, or on KZbin....

[@unebonnevie]

Excellent ERG video! Thank you!

[@DaveNewEng]

Be aware that in many cases it's more difficult to clear ALL affected blocked passages besides the "easy ones" associated with the "intake"... In addition, please consider the following... P0401 - EGR Insufficient Flow * Upper Intake Plenum down thru Coolant Crossover to EGR (square output port) will clog with carbon * Lower Exhaust Plenum down thru Coolant Crossover to EGR (round input port) will clog with carbon - Can often work clear using brake, carburetor, throttle body and/or Valvoline EGR cleaner - Utilize a flexible braided cable like a plumbing snake... - Utilize shop vac then air compressor to remove all debris - Entire upper and lower plenum passages must be cleared... Can be a real PITA, but necessary to actually keep code from recurring...

[@alpenglow1235]

Rifle cleaning brushes are great for this job.

[@misterstealth9237]

After much troubleshooting I am down to cleaning my EGR valve trying to solve my P0304, P0305 and P0300 misfire codes, at least before I have to take the engine apart, or sell it. New spark plugs, oil-filter change, new coils, new PCV valve, new VCM tuner for my 3.5 Vy 2008 Accord, 2 new oil switches, new Bank 2 VVT and... NOTHING! Hopefully tomorrow this will do it. Crossing my fingers.

[@speedkar99]

All the best

[@user-wm4bo4nj8l]

should i use steel brush? what is thr torque spec for hrv 2020? how many miles should i start doing this?

[@freeman573]

Now thats how you do a HOW TO video, 3 thumbs up dude!!!

[@wongsabarchannel1335]

Nice i just also clean by my self EGR of Jazz idsi 2007, and the result was very satisfied.. good Acceleration

[@jonathancombs5380]

Great video, very informative! Thank you.

[@taxidriverlifeinuk2443]

Great video completely understand how to do it did my honda accord with no problems what so ever thanks keep up the good work.

[@speedkar99]

+Jawad Iqbal Thanks, glad it helped.

[@user-js5wq3ym9j]

Was trying needle nose because all the videos said that but if anyone has hemos for fishing or medical plyers they work way better at pulling it up

[@viviantaylor3660]

Thank you for such an informative video about cleaning EGR valve , I think can actually do it myself with a little help. Thank you again

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@id1522]

Kudos to you for this very useful and informative demonstration.

[@speedkar99]

+John thank you

[@ewallacestudent1]

Keep the vids coming man, great info thanks.

[@speedkar99]

Awesome! What more would you like to see?

[@ewallacestudent1]

@@speedkar99 accord clutch work would be super.

[@brianbacich9999]

Thank you so much! Question: if I got a 2004 civic that has been running rich for a long time due to faulty 02 sensor, would you recommend servicing the egr? Even though I’m not getting any codes

[@speedkar99]

Always clean the egr

[@CulturaJaliscoMexico]

Great video! EGR chambers should also be cleaned, as both the chamber and the valve develop carbon deposit build-up over time. In fact, the valve may be dirty but still functional, yet the chambers may be completely clogged. In my case, my 2000 Honda Civic required both the valve and chambers to be cleaned (chambers were completely clogged).

[@nordicpride9708]

Did you have any drivability issues?

[@joehumeas7196]

What are the EGR chambers?

[@WatchfulListener]

I don't know why you put that grease on those screws, but after seeing you stripping that EGR valve apart like nothing, I trust and follow you on every step.

[@speedkar99]

I put anti sieze in everything because I live in Canada and everything rusts

[@lamooky284]

Its also to keep the bolts from staying stuck. The remove with ease

[@haventfoundme]

Again. Great video. Saved my van. Good work man.

[@speedkar99]

+Beto Mendez Honda Odyssey? Glad it helped.

[@liquidbraino]

Glad I watched your video. I was about to buy the wrong tools.

[@speedkar99]

Whoa? Aren't these common tools

[@rullmourn1142]

i also cleaned my electric connectors on my egr with alcohol. no more engine light showing now.

[@speedkar99]

Good stuff.

[@pfsantos007]

Excellent video, including shooting and editing.

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@MattsBaseballWorld]

Nice vid, very helpful, and kudos on being able to keep your ride going well into 300k klicks!

[@nyacoustics8373]

can you snake a cable down the egr port to clean further into the engine? i notice you were using a screw driver to clear out the passages. if you blow compressed air in there will it blow out the other side?

[@Skullspinx]

Great video! I'm about to work on mine so this is amazing! Only thing: is there no gasket?

[@speedkar99]

Make sure you buy a replacement

[@TheEliteZeroz]

Great video, thank you!

[@jdmtechllc6589]

The plunger in the lid portion is the position sensor

[@woodysgeekchannel2204]

Top Notch Job!!!!!! Best I have ever seen!!!

[@speedkar99]

+Woody's Geek Channel thank you

[@user-oq3rw7id1u]

Awesome! Good work! Thx from USSR!

[@kyproset]

What happens to the carbon that falls down the pipe connected to the exhaust port?

[@mapacheraccoon4476]

Thank you sir you are a genius you helped me out a whole lot I appreciate it

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome and thanks for the compliment

[@alextellez3098]

Great video....not like other guys explaining what they eat before...lol

[@speedkar99]

Haha Thanks

[@MidwinterEclipse]

Is it just better to buy a new one? Does it always 100% fix it by cleaning it? I’m getting a check engine light due to the egr valve.

[@speedkar99]

Try cleaning it first then get a new one.

[@rinserepeat2877]

You didnt take battery cable off...but over all good!! thanks

[@georgerussell5914]

That was an excellent video....are you still making new videos?

[@speedkar99]

Yes. See my latest video

[@stanluk4618]

Thanks for the nice to the point vid. Though Never Heard that Exhaust gases are recirculated for combustion cooling... I don't buy that, never :)

[@speedkar99]

It sure does for emissions

[@windsunh2o]

It is counter-intuitive right? Recirculate hot exhaust gas for cooling? This website explained it in a way I could understand www.cambustion.com/products/egr The recirculated exhaust gas takes up oxygen space in the combustion chamber so the explosion is cooler (because more oxygen=hotter flame). NOx is formed when Nitrogen and Oxygen combine in high temperatures. So a cooler burn results in less Nitrogen and Oxygen combining. Lower emissions. So the temperature of the exhaust gas has little to do with the process. Although there are EGR coolers out there to make it even more efficient.

[@christianrambay9244]

Where does the other end go of the hose and can a PCV cause misfires when accelerating

[@elmecanico4943]

Amazing.. Great video. Thanks

[@garyr7027]

Not gonna replace the egr valve gasket?

[@YoStu242]

Great video, EGR valve appears to be identical on my 2002 1.6 4-cyl Civic. I was wondering how the plunger works and I first tried to push it in like it worked on some Opel EGR-valves and was afraid that it was completely jammed because it didn't budge. But thanks to you I now know how it works LOL. I try cleaning it and hope that check engine light goes away but I'm a bit worried that EGR passages inside the intake manifold are clogged... I suppose EGR valve is OK if plunger moves easily and measuring pins 1-2 and 1-3 give lower than 100kOhm values like I saw done in another video to check the valve?

[@speedkar99]

+YoStu refer to the manual for actual checking procedure with resistance values

[@theblessing.is.inside3621]

Removing the bolt in the back is pretty difficult. It can warp your socket. My socket was already warped so i'm going to buy a new one now and try to remove it.

[@speedkar99]

Yea that was a difficult one to get to, some how I was able to wiggle my socket on there to break it free. You might be able to get a wrench on there too...

[@sidcedar]

I tried to get it on as well, but it almost strip the bolt I even tried to swivel and it won’t fit on. Do you have any other suggestions?

[@StevenBagley]

Thank you! Helped a lot.

[@speedkar99]

+Steven Bagley Thanks

[@YaRight2986]

Don’t you need to clean the intake manifold ports coming from the EGR valve?

[@derekrowlands1189]

Excellent video,thank you.

[@speedkar99]

+Derek Rowlands thanks

[@WatchfulListener]

Damn man, you work in a Honda garage or something? You know every detail and you dismounted it like it was nothing After this, do you need to relearn the idle speed ? Thnx

[@speedkar99]

Haha no I just work in my driveway

[@nickhines1131]

Does AutoZone still have lifetime warranty? If so why can't I just bring it in with my reciet and get a new one, but in my case I would be doing it every 3 to 6 months.

[@joehumeas7196]

Is it ok to spray the carb cleaner into the EGR port holes?

[@speedkar99]

Yeah. Give it good!

[@mahdavimail]

Thanks for video. Can this solve the issue that cause my engine power drops at 3000rpm for a second when I push the gas pedal fully on my 1.8 civic? Tnx

[@speedkar99]

Yes

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Outstanding video!

[@benesssa]

I have a problem, nobody at Honda can fix my dual carbu of my Honda Prelude 3 G of 91, 2.0 ex, slowed down to 2200 rpm engine cold and barely 300 rpm !! Otherwise it works great but nobody can set me this idle !! .... they do not have the devices for that! It is a shame because my prelude will have soon ... 27 years and I want to keep it! What to do thank you!

[@speedkar99]

+Bernard all the best in your repair. Preludes were a classic.

[@benesssa]

thank you

[@seshachary5580]

very educative. Thank you regards

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@JA-sm9zf]

Thank you. That was helpful!

[@tigaspinoypower]

Sir ..is it necessary to clean egr valve even tho there's no issues or codes? because my car is 14 years old ..2003 accord same like yours, also the passeges? Thanks!

[@speedkar99]

No, but if your throttle is hesitating or RPM's slightly bouncing then its a good idea.

[@tigaspinoypower]

speedkar99 Thank you sir!

[@JodBronson]

+PEXMAN - Clean it " Every Year ", that way you know your Idling issues are always good at the EGR.... Also you don't have to replace it :D

[@2AMcars]

Nice! Planning on doing this on my Lexus Sc400! Will make a video on it haha

[@speedkar99]

+Mitesh Rathod Cool, feel free to share the video.

[@2AMcars]

+speedkar99 will do sir!

[@RichTiradoRealtor]

I followed the all the steps, replaced the EGR valve and noticed improved performance. However the engine light came back on with the same code P1491 Any suggestions? I have a 2000 Honda Accord 5 Speed Standard Trans witha 4 Cyl Vtech with 235K miles on it

[@speedkar99]

Have you cleaned the port in the manifold?

[@RichTiradoRealtor]

@@speedkar99 I sprayed the air intake manifold with Seafoam cleaner. Emptied the bottle in fact. Is that what your talking about? If not can you paste a video of what your talking about? Appreciate it. Thanks.

[@kamilnowak623]

I wonder if there would be some bad concequences if it completely clog up. Would the engine be running normally, just without this recirculation? I know that some people are purpousely pluging it to make the engine work more efortlessly

[@speedkar99]

+Kamil Nowak yes but the computer needs to know it's plugged... Otherwise you'll notice a surging as the computer tries to compensate for a rich mixture

[@kamilnowak623]

Thank you for reply, i'm definetly cleaning it soon:)

[@dasboot360]

Does this take a gasket ? I see they sell one. Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Yea

[@mercury2632]

How does the ecu know if the exhaust gas being sent back is being restricted, is there a sensor in the valve itself or somewhere down the line? Ive replaced my whole valve and cleaned the passageways and i still get a code after resetting

[@speedkar99]

Well those exhaust gasses have to be metered somehow by a map sensor so the engine can adjust it's fuel trim

[@mercury2632]

speedkar99 thanks

[@ryanloveshonda]

313000 miles hondas 💪🏾

[@speedkar99]

Kilometers

[@thebear6529]

Wow yes great video. Can I do the same procedure on a 06 ridgeline?

[@Kelthor85]

Is this what causes the car to lunge forward when the radiator fan turns on while stationary?

[@user-wm4bo4nj8l]

do i need to obd to resets whend oing this?

[@speedkar99]

If you have an engine light sure... Or just pull the battery for a few minutes

[@autodiyertropicalnorth256]

Much appreciated Bud!!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks bud!

[@rightwired]

313,000 miles! My car has only 130,000 and it's giving me issues. Some are telling me that cylinder 2, 3 and random misfire codes are being caused by a bad camshaft!

[@joec8231]

Mine just started doing same thing ever find out what it was?

[@patrickpk6299]

Were you having issues or is this just a preventative maintenance? my car has 150k, never touched that yet

[@speedkar99]

This was preventative maintenance

[@justinc9911]

will putting cleaner in the egr port holes damange engine or just push it further?

[@speedkar99]

Don't put engine degreaser in there, use carb cleaner

[@justinc9911]

@@speedkar99 seafoam?

[@hewhoshallnotbenamed5633]

This is a GREAT video. Right to the point. Will this also work on a civic 1996-2000?

[@speedkar99]

+Baskin Web Marketing it should be similar.

[@lukha225]

Do all modern cars have this unit? What about direct injection engine?

[@speedkar99]

No Only some

[@arnoldsalazar5851]

The egr valve lock ring did you replace that with a new one?

[@speedkar99]

No

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic video , very informative thanks.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@jessen5152]

What's that gasket you took off around 4:10? I think I damaged mine scraping around to get carbon off; should I be worried? Love your videos.

[@steveanene4372]

My Honda Civic 2000 consume more excess fuel what could be the problem

[@Rich-cv8ic]

Anytime i hit the brakes too hard , my car stalls or even stops running. would you recommend starting with this egr?

[@speedkar99]

And the idle air control valve

[@Rich-cv8ic]

Thank you! Your channel is awesome. Keep up the good work.

[@edgardaspilcueta738]

Great video!!!

[@speedkar99]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@adnanbedestencioglu6680]

Does the egr valve affect performance and fuel?

[@messiah2534]

Yes of course. EGR is a reused fumes from engine. If EGR is clogged or small hole inside then less power going to Intake and this is effect of less performance.

[@adnanbedestencioglu6680]

@@messiah2534 my accord 2.0 is unfortunately very slow to extend when accelerating. valve adjustment, maintenance is ok but this situation continues... I want to clean the egr valve so...

[@messiah2534]

@@adnanbedestencioglu6680 In my case I have faulty EGR Valve. Mine is not closing sometimes and let fumes going into engine continously. You need OBD2 scaner to check EGR Error and EGR Command. This will help you diagnose valve.

[@adnanbedestencioglu6680]

​@@messiah2534 There is no fault code in OBD for egr in my vehicle

[@messiah2534]

In my case I don't have any code for EGR too. But if you connect to OBD2 to live data and select this two sensors you will see if they are working correct. In my car EGR error is 99.2% when I driving and sometimes when I finish driving. This value means my EGR Valve is not closing when ECU request. So now I want change Valve and see whats happen.

[@JodBronson]

Good Drawing Diagram :)

[@speedkar99]

+Jordan Bronson thanks glad it helped you understand

[@nzamalik57]

My car has 120,000km and it is 9 years old.. I haven't experienced any problems yet.. Should I get my EGR cleaned..

[@speedkar99]

Yes

[@rlp9962]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[@rightwired]

My car has 130,000 miles and 10 years old. I have experienced this exact problem

[@alieyesonme247]

You can tell he is reading when he's showing the diagram of the EGR and exhaust

[@sidcedar]

Do you have to use a swivel on one of the bolts or no?