95-3.1- EGR Valve

[Marlamar]

Anyone out there..Do I need to replace my EGR valve..or can I just unplug it and disregard? I live in WV so don have to consider any kind of emissions test , etc. Will unplugging it damage the engine or cause the engine to run improperly?

[jeffcoslacker]

I'm not sure what kind of confusion it would cause the ECM to not have the EGR in the circuit. It will drive it nuts for sure, and it'll light the Service Engine light non-stop, but as far as running correctly, I'm not exactly sure.

The EGR provides exhaust gas recirculation to contaminate the intake charge with non-volitile gases under high load conditions. This actually cools combustion, reducing formation of NOx emissions, but also helps combat pre-ignition, the "pinging" you get when working the motor hard with low octane fuel. Your car also has a knock sensor that hear pre-ignition before you can, and adjusts ignition timing on the fly as needed, retarding spark timing to control it.

A motor with retarded ignition timing is less responsive and weaker, so if by disabling the EGR there is more chance of ping or knock, the ECM will retard timing more often and more severely than with everything working correctly, so you would at least loose some power and possibly fuel mileage from it.