Originally Posted by mattkeiss
.:6th Gen Accord V6 Coupe:.
I had my emissions checked about two weeks ago, but yesterday the check engine light came on. I took it back to the place where I got the emissions and he said I had a faulty EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and it would cost $75.48 + $250 in labor to fix it. He said that without getting it fixed, I wouldn't pass emissions and my fuel economy would suffer. Considering that I passed emissions not but two weeks ago, and I don't give a crap about slightly decreased fuel economy, should I really drop $325.48 to get it fixed? Will this lower performance or cause other problems later on? I just dropped $1700 on aftermarket suspension springs, struts, etc.
The labor charge is what I'd be having a problem with, because the valve itself takes a couple minutes to replace. Now, there is a TSB on the 6th gen V6 engines, that involves removing the intake manifold, drilling out the EGR port, and installing a pipe that will prevent it from clogging up again. The TSB also includes replacing the valve. If this shop is going to do all that, then MAYBE the labor charge is justified. Otherwise you're getting ripped off big time. But it's true that you will fail the emissions test when its time to smog the car, and you'll be forced to replace it anyways. So you might as well get it done now, than later.