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Is there an EGR cleaning/replacement procedure that Toyota performs?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bob Lovejoy, Aug 12, 2020.

  1. Bob Lovejoy

    Bob Lovejoy Junior Member

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    Apologies... As I know, somewhere in the archives is the answer, but I have not found it...

    I have a 2012 Prius v with ~109k miles and am taking it in tomorrow for its 110k service. While I am there, I want to ask them again about EGR service (cleaning/replacement, whatever is needed to avoid future head gasket or other issues. The times I have brought it up with Toyota service people they have just given me blank stares, though someone in desperation did give me a quote on replacing the EGR valve itself.

    I know people do this work on their own... and I admire that. That said, I have no garage, few tools, not even a shade tree, and the car is in very good to excellent condition so I don't want to cause more harm than cure. And the car is running fine, no current issues.

    So, question... Is there a recognized service that Toyota knows to do concerning the EGR system on the Gen3(?) Prius? Something that could involve cleaning or replacing the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and anything else recommended or needed while in there (PCV valve?).?

    I know people would have very good reasons to say it would be crazy to have a dealer do that work... and those people are probably right. I would just like to know if there is a known approach or service that Toyota knows about and would perform. I am tired of the blank stares... I am also seemingly far away from any private garage that knows about a Prius.

    Thanks for any help...
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nothing from on high. if you can find a dealer that understands, they will clean the whole circuit. but most want to replace the valve and manifold if you can get them to do anything at all.

    there is a @NutzAboutBolts youtube if you can find a mech willing to follow along.
     
  3. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    If there is, I'll bet it is wallet-lightening!
     
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    In a word, no. You can probably talk them into replacing the parts you list, but they're going to feel weird about it and they'll probably find a way to make you feel weird for asking. That's no way to go when you're paying top dollar.

    They execute procedures dictated by the mother ship. And there really isn't one for this, other than wait until the EGR pops the head gasket and then offer you a new engine or a trade-in allowance. Mind you I do not think this is at all deliberate; it really is just something that has slipped through the gaps.

    Lots of cars have EGR systems, and Toyota's is far from the first to suffer clogs. Nothing about this repair involves the hybrid parts of the car. Essentially any corner garage should be able to handle this- although I realize you are likely to encounter a few who don't realize that this is just an EGR cleanout job just like on a Ford, Subaru or VW.
     
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  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    When I went to the dealer about egr cooler maintenance, I had no codes. I did have almost 200k miles and knew the egr cooler would be clogged. The dealer offered to clean the egr valve and replace the egr cooler for $800.

    I had an independent shop claim they could clean the cooler and the cost would be half. Days later the shop gave up trying to clean the cooler passages which were totally clogged and we ended up buying a new one from the dealer. The dealer had to bring it in from another city so the job took a week and the costs were as high as the dealer.

    I did take the old stainless cooler and cleaned it with a wire spun by a drill, soaking and more wire action. I sold my old one on ebay and ended up saving a buck not counting my time. And I did not do the primary work.

    If I wanted to get it done with lower cost, I would buy a new cooler on ebay for around $150 and have my mechanic do it. It requires removing the windshield wiper assy and the intake manifold, so also replacing the pcv and adding an oil catch can would be a good plan.

    The egr cooler is part 25601-37010. The second and third pic are used parts "cleaned" up. Some sellers will push used coolers that are still clogged, so buyer beware on used.
     

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    #5 rjparker, Aug 12, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2020
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Maybe even the disappearing act :eek:.
     
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  7. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    An involuntary conversion....
     
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  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I don't remember removing the wiper stuff when I did mine...... though I don't always remember what I did the previous day.
    I bought my extra cooler from a junkyard for $40 or $50. I did have to remove it but was pretty easy as they didn't care how I got it out, and the master cylinder stuff was gone.
     
    #8 Tim Jones, Aug 14, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2020