The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System is used to reduce the amount of nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emission levels caused by high combustion temperatures. At temperatures
above 1 371°C (2,500°F), oxygen and nitrogen combine to
form oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Introducing small amounts of exhaust gas back into
the combustion chamber displaces the amount of oxygen entering the engine. With less
oxygen in the air/fuel mixture, the combustion pressures are reduced, and as a result,
combustion temperatures are decreased, restricting the formation of NOx.
The EGR valve motor is a direct current (DC) stepper motor utilizing a worm
gear that extends from the motor to push on the EGR valve stem. The worm gear is not
attached to the valve stem, and can only force the valve open. A return spring is
used to force the valve closed.
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor signal is used by the engine control module (ECM)
to detect the proper amount of EGR flow. One EGR flow test is performed per ignition
cycle. The ECM will close the EGR valve for 5 seconds, then open the EGR valve
to 100 percent for 5 seconds. The ECM will then calculate the MAF difference
and determine if the proper EGR flow has been detected.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Operation