VW Touran: EGR Valve Symptoms & Troubleshooting Guide

I had a similar issue with my VW Golf 2008 2.0L gasoline engine last winter. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I first thought it might be something simpler, but the rough idle and power loss symptoms matched what you're describing. My check engine light was also on, and the car failed an emissions test. The workshop did a full diagnostic scan which confirmed the EGR valve was sticking. They attempted cleaning it first, but ultimately it needed replacement due to carbon buildup and internal damage. The total repair cost was 355€, including diagnostics, parts, and labor. After the fix, the engine ran smoothly again, fuel economy improved significantly, and all the symptoms disappeared. To help diagnose your case more accurately, could you share: The exact engine size and type? How many miles/kilometers on the odometer? Have you noticed any other warning lights? When was your last major service? Does the problem get worse when the engine is cold or warm? These details would help determine if your symptoms truly match an EGR issue or might point to something else in the emissions system.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. My Touran had its last major service just 2 months ago at 63000km. Since then, the rough idle has gotten progressively worse, especially when the engine is warm. The check engine light started flashing last week. The recirculation system might indeed be the culprit, as the smoke and hissing match what others describe. The 355€ repair cost you mentioned seems reasonable if it fixes these issues. I am a bit concerned that even after the valve replacement, there might be underlying problems causing the excessive carbon buildup. Would definitely want the mechanic to check the entire emissions system while doing the repairs.

Based on my experience with the same issue on my Golf, I definitely understand your concern about underlying problems. After my EGR valve replacement, I actually had the workshop do a thorough inspection of the entire emissions system, including the catalytic converter and all vacuum lines. They discovered a small vacuum leak near the intake manifold that was contributing to the rough idle. The extra air being pulled in was causing incomplete combustion, which led to more carbon deposits. Getting both issues fixed together prevented the problems from recurring. The smoke during acceleration and hissing sounds you describe could also indicate issues with the turbo system if your model has one. Its worth having them check the boost pressure and turbo seals while theyre in there. With your relatively low mileage, the carbon buildup seems a bit premature. Consider asking about: Fuel injector cleaning, PCV valve condition, Intake manifold cleaning, Vacuum line integrity check These additional checks might add 100-150€ to the bill, but addressing any related issues now could prevent repeated EGR problems. Since getting everything sorted on my Golf, fuel consumption returned to normal and the rough idle completely disappeared.

Thank you for the detailed information about your Golf repair experience. The situation with my Touran has become quite urgent now, the engine barely maintains idle speed when warm and the smoke is getting worse. Its a 1.6L FSI engine with 63000km. After reading about your experience with additional vacuum line issues, I will definitely have the mechanic perform a complete check of the emissions system and recirculation components. The premature carbon buildup you mentioned is concerning, so I want them to inspect the fuel injectors and PCV valve as well. I called a workshop this morning and booked it in for next week. They quoted around 400€ for the EGR valve replacement plus diagnostics, which aligns with what you paid. I asked them to check for vacuum leaks and turbo-related issues as you suggested, even if it adds some cost. Better to fix everything properly now than face ongoing problems with rough idle and excessive smoke. Will update the forum once I know what they find. Really hoping its just the EGR valve and not more serious issues with the catalytic converter or turbo system.