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Forum > Emissions Component > Question

91 Geo Prizm with EGR valve removed. Why would my mechanic remove the EGR valve?

The smog repair technician (in CA) asked that I return my vehicle to the shop that replaced my engine earlier this year and ask them to remove the EGR valve and cap it, then return for the smog repairs. It failed the emissions test. Do you know why they want the EGR valve removed and capped? Doesn't the car need this valve to operate well? It's now being done, and apparently was supposed to have been done when the engine was replaced (so it's not costing me), but I'm confused about why? And will the gold shield station then put on a new EGR valve when they do the smog repairs?
Answer:

It appears your Geo Prizm was not supposed to be equipped with an EGR valve in the first place. The repair shop which conducted the engine change was probably not aware and installed an EGR valve because it came with the engine they used as the replacement. The smog check station wants you to have the EGR valve capped so that your Geo doesn't fail the visual inspection portion of the smog check; having an EGR installed on a vehicle which does not require one will be considered an emissions tamper. The gold shield station will not be installing a new EGR valve. posted by SmogTips Support

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