We have had our beloved Mazda in the garage for the past 2 months. We disconnected the battery. It started first time but when we took it for a run the engine check light came on and stayed on. We took it to the Mazda dealer who diagnosed a possible sticky/stuck EGR sensor valve. The price to replace is £350 and they will not guarantee this is the problem. We have a 2009 Mark 3.5 with 13000 miles only. It is are second car always garaged and only comes out in dry weather. The garage suggested at least a weekly run whatever the weather to keep the car running.
Our question is
Have other people had this problem and is they any cheaper way of fixing it.
Could be a damp sensor and running the car may cure it?
The worry is that it may not be the sensor but other sensors but the garage is insisting on first replacing the EGR valve. We are worried we may have had other costs if the new value dosnt cure the problem.
I’ve come across EGR sensor failure before and replacing the sensor does usually fix it. They tend to burn out internally. The slight danger is that they damage the ECU as the internal short circuit feeds 12v back into the ECU.
Thanks so much. The car has only done 13K and we only put in Shell V Power, the engine runs well. The only issue we had was on first start up it didn’t idle very well for a few minutes. No lights on dashboard then when we took it for a run the engine check light came up. When we took it to the dealer he connected it to the computer and at first the engine light went off. He then repeated the check and the light came back on.
Where would you suggest we get it replaced? Should we go to an official dealer?
Thanks
Pam
We had similar problem and circumstances. Car had been off road for about 3 weeks over Xmas. Engine management light came and went a few times. Took it for diagnosis to MX5 specialist and he diagnosed EGR valve and reset sensor.
Light came on again whilst awaiting sensor, but is now cured. Total cost £345 (fitting is a big dismantling job)
Had our done by CBS Autos in Nelson. What he doesn’t know about MX5’s is not worth knowing. Regards
Bit of a thread hijack…sorry, but why is this callrd egr when nothing is connected to the exhaust? As far as i can see it is all done on the inlet. I guess air let in on 0 trottle to clean up the immisions, maybe engine firing with timing retarded and exhaust valve open. My triumph motorbike was set up like that, lots of popping from the exhaust on the over-run.
I have a problem on my 2007 Sport with only 11000 miles on it. I’ve posted a number of weeks ago. I have no symptoms except the engine light. What fault code are you getting with it? I don’t think you mentioned it. The code mine shows is PO403 which as Robbie advised is the EGR stepper motor. I was thinking of going to CBS Auto’s in Nelson, Lancs, the same place Mad Jim mentioned to get it sorted. Please keep us updated and I hope you get it sorted.
The EGR valve is linked to the exhaust by a passage that is cast into the cylinder head. The valve allows a given amount of exhaust gas to be mixed with the air in the intake manifold, this has the effect of reducing the oxygen content of the intake charge and cools the burn. This has the effect of reducing NoX emission. There is probably alot more science to it but that’s the basic function.