EGR problem

I have a Spanish-registered 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI. Recently, the vehicle stalled and, when it was restarted, went into ‘limphome’ mode and showed the engine fault light. Next day, the vehicle started and ran OK, but the engine light remained illuminated, so I took it to a local garage to have the codes read. I was told it was an EGR problem, but the garage reset the light.

So now I have a car with no real fault and no engine light, although it still stutters occasionally, particularly at a steady speed when I lift the throttle slightly. I decided to try EGR cleaner spray and also ran some fuel system cleaner with a full tank of fuel, and this appeared to make a difference. The engine idles smoothly, seems to pull OK, the fuel consumption is pretty good at 30-35 mpg, and there’s no smoke or signs of a problem. However, it still occasionally stutters when I lift the throttle.

Is this still a symptom of an EGR problem or is there something else likely to be causing it?

Thomas Hills

The symptoms you have do suggest a sticking EGR valve, especially given the information from the fault code and the fact that things have improved after using an EGR cleaner. If the valve has gummed up, it may require another treatment with the cleaning spray to fully shift the carbon that builds up and restricts its operation. In severe cases, it’s possible the unit will need to be completely removed to clean it effectively or may even need replacement.