EGR valve options for non-DIYer

AJC211 · Sep 16, 2025

2014 4wd 1.9l diesel, bought 2nd hand from Skoda dealer in 2022, 90k mileage

I checked on the website about the 189 article and it says the car has had the necessary action taken (not sure what that means though!)

Unfortunately a lot of my driving is 30-50mph 30min rural journeys with minimal dual carriageway/motorway - not ideal for a diesel!

Engine Management Light on - Code P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient

Sounds like it may be the EGR valve? I'm not able to DIY any mechanical fixes. EGR valve replacement seems potentially extortionate and would mean no hols for a year, so would be good to avoid that, but...

Is there anything I can do, personally? Spray cleaners don't work, do they? So I think anything I can do is a short-term fix or a waste of time?

Given that, I think I have two options:

1 - Remapping to avoid the EGR; is this a viable option? Would I have to inform my car insurer as it's a modification? Anyone know if this bumps the cost up? Is this legal?

2 - Garage for further investigation - if it's the EGR valve is there any point in having the existing one cleaned instead of replacing it, in order to keep costs down? Or is replacement always necessary?

Llanigraham · 2025-09-28T17:27:03-0400

Reversing the "fix" is perfectly legal. Do it and don't worry about it.

Mickeyluv · 2025-09-28T06:15:07-0400

Sprays or cleaners don't work. The EGR valve has a matrix of liquid cooled tubes running through it and each is formed into a triangular cross section. The bore of these is about 5mm down the middle. These get completely blocked with very hard-packed carbon. Because there's no flow, any cleaner cannot penetrate. I have successfully dismantled valves and cleaned out the tubes using a combination of Mr Muscle oven cleaner and mechanical methods. The problem is that there's also a motorized valve that uses a plastic gear which can strip teeth due to the valve sticking. There's also a small ball race that can seize. The ball race is a standard part, but the gear needs replacing with an aftermarket new part or one from a good donor valve if faulty.

I've got replacement time down to under 2 hours, but that's with a 2WD. You have added complexity and time with 4WD.

It's illegal to disable any part of the emissions system.

The EA189 fix increases load on the EGR valve, DPF and injectors. Skoda offered an extended warranty on these parts after the fix was applied as a goodwill gesture.

AJC211 · 2025-09-28T12:10:00-0400

Mickeyluv said:
Sprays or cleaners don't work. The EGR valve has a matrix of liquid cooled tubes running through it and each is formed into a triangular cross section. The bore of these is about 5mm down the middle. These get completely blocked with very hard-packed carbon. Because there's no flow, any cleaner cannot penetrate. I have successfully dismantled valves and cleaned out the tubes using a combination of Mr Muscle oven cleaner and mechanical methods. The problem is that there's also a motorized valve that uses a plastic gear which can strip teeth due to the valve sticking. There's also a small ball race that can seize. The ball race is a standard part, but the gear needs replacing with an aftermarket new part or one from a good donor valve if faulty.

I've got replacement time down to under 2 hours, but that's with a 2WD. You have added complexity and time with 4WD.

It's illegal to disable any part of the emissions system.

The EA189 fix increases load on the EGR valve, DPF and injectors. Skoda offered an extended warranty on these parts after the fix was applied as a goodwill gesture.

Thank you so much for this! I think my approach will be
a) replace the EGR valve
b) perhaps I can reduce future wear/tear on parts by using Premium diesel/additive...+/- reverse the EA189 fix when my wallet has recovered from (a)... is that legal, as it's not disabling anything? I've seen plenty of Yeti owners either have refused the fix or reversed it...

EGR valve options for non-DIYer

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities