I am looking at buying a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville and the guy said the car's check engine light says it had a problem with the EGR valve and so he bipassed it somehow. He said a EGR valve isn't needed. Is this valve very important or needed? What does it do? Thanks
Yes it's vital for the car to run right and for smog or emissions testing too. I'd highly wonder about that car bec what else did he by pass. If you've not read the ECM's codes how do you know the engine light isn't on due to EGR valve and other faults with car. Best of luck and I hope this helps
I have a 1996 Firebird with the same 3.8L V6 motor. I recently had to have the EGR valve replaced, as well. I am not sure- but I think that the EGR valve has to do with the emissions. It may not pass an emissions test if the EGR valve has been bypassed. If you have to have it replaced, it probably won't be that expensive. Good luck. EDIT: here is an explanation of what an EGR valve is, and what its function is, thank you to this gentleman named Shovelkicker for providing an answer elsewhere in 'answers.' This was not my own post- this mechanic whose name is Shovelkicker wrote this explanation, which was written about one year ago in response to another individual's question regarding what an EGR valve is. (The) EGR valve is the Exhaust Gas Recycling valve. This is for when a motor is cold and needs extra fuel to keep running. Back in the days of chokes you would restrict the air going into the carburator to make the car run richer. With fuel injection cars more fuel is added to the engine to richen the mixture. This richer mixture causes the exhaust to have unburnt hydrocarbons, meaning not good for the environment. The EGR opens and allows some of the exhaust to be added back into the intake to be reburned. Once the engine warms up to operating tempurature the EGR closes. The EGR should be a UFO looking item about the diameter of a big coffee cup. Should be brownish metal, lightly rusted from the heat. A a steel pipe, around 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, will run from the EGR to the exhaust at the back of the engine. Some EGR valves are on the front of the engine, some at the rear. Most frontwheel drive cars with will be right above the exhaust manifold on the front of the engine.
If you live in a County that requires emission tests, most likely your car will not pass the inspection. I would have it change it is good for the environment as well as making your car more efficient.
You need an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve. You can bypass it temporarily but your gas mileage will suffer and the check engine light will remain lit. They are usually located near or under the intake assembly are are easy to change. You will need to reverse the bypass that he did so ask him how he did it.
I agree with Thumpin8....98%...... Main problem is if you run Unhooked or bypassed and Running rich will cause more problems.... Will burn out your Oxygen sensor next Then fault codes will double up in your ECM PCU programs Then running rich, injectors might over presure at the wrong time. That when your fuel mileage get even worse.... Good Luck.... Pass on the car.... If he says the EGR is out most likely has 3 running problems by now Stating EGR is not needed....
