The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve on the 2000 Ford Explorer is an important part of the engine emissions system. The EGR valve allows a precisely metered amount of exhaust gas to be circulated back to the combustion chamber. This introduction of exhaust gas into the cylinder allows the engine to achieve combustion at a lower temperature, leading to the creation of fewer smog-related emissions. If the EGR valve is not functioning properly, it can lead to misfires, rough idle, stalling, and failed emissions tests. Fortunately, the EGR valve is easily replaced using basic hand tools.
Park the Explorer on flat, level ground with the parking brake fully engaged. Raise the hood by pulling the release handle located under the steering column and then pulling up on the lever located under the center of the hood while lifting the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a pair of pliers or open-ended wrench. The EGR valve is located above, and slightly in front of, the exhaust manifold on the driver's side of the engine. The EGR valve is a flat metal disc with a small rubber hose attached to the top and a larger metal pipe running from the bottom of the valve to the exhaust manifold.
Remove the small rubber hose from the top of the EGR by gently pulling straight up on the rubber fitting. Unscrew the metal pipe from the bottom of the EGR using an open-ended or adjustable wrench. Remove the two bolts holding the EGR valve to the engine. Remove the valve from the engine.
Clean any remaining gasket material from the EGR valve mating surface using a plastic putty knife.
Install a new EGR gasket on the mating surface using gasket sealer to hold it in place. Attach the new EGR valve to the engine using new bolts and tighten the bolts to 15 foot-pounds. Reconnect and securely tighten the metal pipe to the bottom of the valve and slide the rubber fitting back onto the top of the valve.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and close the hood.
