Help Please! EGR Issues

[Cocoapuff]

Hi All,

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum (wasn't sure here or Technical Workshop) - could a mod please move if it's wrong?

Anyways, got a bit of an issue on my 2.0 FSI.

My Check Engine Light came on a few weeks ago - took it to my normal mechanic who read the codes. Unfortunately I (stupidly) didn't note down the codes, but they were to do with Emissions and the Oxygen Sensor. We cleared the codes as he was set to go on holiday and he would look into the Oxygen Sensor upon his return (it bugs me driving with the CEL on!)

While he was away, it came on again, so once he was back we checked it out again. This time, it was to do with the EGR Valve. Slightly confused, we cleared it again and for me to drive the car as normal to see what code came back.

When it came back, it was the EGR Valve again, with the code:
17811 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation system Control difference.
Deviation

So, my mechanic has said he can change the EGR but isn't convinced that that's actually the issue, as he seems a little caught up on my having an aftermarket custom exhaust.

Do you guys have any experience or advice around this? I've done the usual forum searches but most of the issues seem to be around the TDI's.

Oh and also, after googling the main symptoms, I don't seem to have any:
- uneven idle
- loss of power
- juddering
- car going into limp mode

So in short, I'm very much stuck so open to advise from more learned souls than myself! Please let me know if you need any other information on this, or point me in the right direction of someone who would know.

Thanks guys in advance.

[Flyingscotsman]

If you have an aftermarket exhaust with a de-cat pipe or a sports cat, then you are likely to get a CEL as ECU thinks stock cat is there (and not working properly) You can try a lambda probe extender, but these don't always fix problem. Only sure way is to get it mapped out.

[Cocoapuff]

If you have an aftermarket exhaust with a de-cat pipe or a sports cat, then you are likely to get a CEL as ECU thinks stock cat is there (and not working properly) You can try a lambda probe extender, but these don't always fix problem. Only sure way is to get it mapped out.

Thanks for the reply. I'll give R-Tec a call and clarify if they changed the cat or if it's still standard but I'll also look through the documents I got back. However as it's a catback system, I had assumed they wouldn't have changed the cat(?)

Sorry for not knowing, but what do you mean "get it mapped out"?

** edit - just got through to R-Tec and checked my Invoice. It's a catback system and they said they wouldn't have changed or modified the cat in any way. I told him about the error codes and he suggested getting an EGR Blank. I've read a little about them on the forums - is that worth trying? And would it work on Petrol variants? (Most of the threads I've seen have been for the Diesels)

[Flyingscotsman]

A cat-back system wouldn't normally bring in CEL light. Could be worth trying to replace EGR valve as your mechanic suggests.

[Cocoapuff]

A cat-back system wouldn't normally bring in CEL light. Could be worth trying to replace EGR valve as your mechanic suggests.

I think that what I'm going to do - as mentioned he's not convinced it's that (and believes it's something to do with the aftermarket exhaust that's messing up the ECU and/or Emissions) but he typically works on stock cars.

The more I read on the internet, the more I think I should just get it changed.

Darkside Developments (which I know is for Diesels) actually list my error code as one for a faulty / blocked EGR.

"There are multiple faults codes and symptoms that can point towards a faulty / blocked EGR Valve and Cooler

EGR Valve Fault Symptoms:

Loss of power
Lower fuel consumption
Reduced throttle response
Limp Mode
Warnings:

Engine Management Light
Flashing Glow Plug Light
Fault Codes:

16785/P0401/001025 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System: Insufficient Flow Detected
16786/P0402/001026 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): Excessive Flow
16787/P0403/001027 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve (N18): Malfunction
17811/P1403/005123 - EGR System: Regulation Deviation"

[Cocoapuff]

/bump

Anyone have any other thoughts or advice on this?

[ROH ECHT]

Why not just replace the EGR/PCV? Has he checked it and the rear breather tube's valve?

[Cocoapuff]

Why not just replace the EGR/PCV? Has he checked it and the rear breather tube's valve?

Thanks for replying. Funnily enough I am in the process of making calls from local VAG specialists to get quotes on replacing the EGR value.

I've not had it opened up and investigated but I'll ensure they do (and check the rear breather tube as well). Thanks for the suggestion 

[Cocoapuff]

Got 4 quotes - 3 VAG Specialists quoted between £350 and £440 (inc parts, labour, VAT) and a local, independent garage at £330.

Seems worthwhile just taking it to one of the VAG Specialists for slightly more money. They should also be investigating the problem rather than just swapping out the part, which is especially good seeing as research on the internet seems to show that the plastic teeth on one of the gears have a habit of breaking off.

I'll keep you guys posted!

[ROH ECHT]

Not sure what's going on there with open campaigns and all, but here(states) there have been open campaigns for both the rear breather tube and PCV/EGR. Both of those bits have been replaced on mine...just because of the campaigns. Hope they find the correction for you but would be nicer if it were at no cost to you as it was for myself and others.

[Cocoapuff]

Not sure what's going on there with open campaigns and all, but here(states) there have been open campaigns for both the rear breather tube and PCV/EGR. Both of those bits have been replaced on mine...just because of the campaigns. Hope they find the correction for you but would be nicer if it were at no cost to you as it was for myself and others.

Thanks man, glad you got yours sorted FOC. Hopefully mine doesn't hit the bank balance too hard! I'll report the verdict back in here - gonna make the calls tomorrow and get it booked in.

- Side note - did a 100 mile round trip to Brighton yesterday and she drove beautifully.

[ROH ECHT]

 

[Cocoapuff]

Thank you everyone for your replies and thoughts.

As an update - I got the car back today from Mastertech who changed the EGR Valve. We'll see what happens over the next few days if the issue resurfaces. They informed me there was a valve that wasn't opening properly, hence the engine light.