2004 Acura MDX EGR Valve Replacement

Written By: Riley Miller

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a 2004 Acura MDX Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve.

An EGR valve is the part of a car's engine that regulates the flow of exhaust gases to the engine's intake system. A failing EGR valve can result in an engine knock, an increase in harmful oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and poor engine performance. This affects the car's acceleration and reduces power, which could lead to serious damage to the engine or dangerous vehicle malfunctions.

Not all EGR valves need to be immediately replaced. Check your car's EGR valve for any corrosion, carbon build-up, or other damages before buying a new valve. Carbon build-up can be cleaned off of the EGR valve and the engine port, not requiring a replacement.

Before starting this guide, make sure that your car is off and in park. The EGR valve connects to the battery and should not be removed while the car is powered on.

Additionally, when using the carburetor cleaner in Step 6, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, as it is toxic. Inhalation or prolonged exposure should be avoided.

Tools

Parts

EGR Valve

Step 1

Open the hood of the car.
Disconnect the car's battery from the engine before you begin the repair.
Your car's engine may have a plastic cover. If so, remove this cover before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2

To find the EGR valve, look to the bottom-right of the engine.

Step 3

Press down on the clip of the harness connector and pull it away from the EGR valve to disconnect it.

Step 4

Use a 12 mm socket wrench to remove the nuts securing the EGR valve to the engine.
I've connected a 12 mm socket to a drill extension for an easier reach.

Step 5

Grab the top of the EGR valve and carefully pull it up to remove the original valve.

Step 6

Spray the engine's EGR valve port with carburetor cleaner.
Wipe away any excess cleaner after spraying.
Carburetor cleaner can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Be sure to spray the carburetor cleaner in a well-ventilated area.