EGR fault on 2010 180 BiTDI, options?

[CaliGem]

Our cali has an amber warning on the dash which when plugged into a reader suggests a EGR fault. The more I read up on this, particularly with the 180 engine (50k miles), the more concerned I am.

The van does long journey's for holidays, but mostly short journey's which I know isn't ideal, but it is a 'daily driver'. It does feel sluggish on pickup, and needs a few more revs to stop it stalling on hills.

What are the options? We have bought some Holts EGR & Carb Cleaner; is that even worth trying and if so, where abouts do we spray it?

Alternatively, does it require a replacement and would an alternative make from Pierburg or Starline be a consideration as they are significantly cheaper (not sure if it includes the value and cooler for the price!). I'm told that labour is a lot because unlike other engines, many front components need removing to gain access.

Anything else we can do? We don't want to 'delete'. Have VW ever recognised as a fault that is covered under a recall and a way of checking?

(unfortunately the label in the engine has mostly perished but doesn't appear to have an A, B or D reference after the part code)

 

[WelshGas]

Our cali has an amber warning on the dash which when plugged into a reader suggests a EGR fault. The more I read up on this, particularly with the 180 engine (50k miles), the more concerned I am.

The van does long journey's for holidays, but mostly short journey's which I know isn't ideal, but it is a 'daily driver'. It does feel sluggish on pickup, and needs a few more revs to stop it stalling on hills.

What are the options? We have bought some Holts EGR & Carb Cleaner; is that even worth trying and if so, where abouts do we spray it?

Alternatively, does it require a replacement and would an alternative make from Pierburg or Starline be a consideration as they are significantly cheaper (not sure if it includes the value and cooler for the price!). I'm told that labour is a lot because unlike other engines, many front components need removing to gain access.

Anything else we can do? We don't want to 'delete'. Have VW ever recognised as a fault that is covered under a recall and a way of checking?

(unfortunately the label in the engine has mostly perished but doesn't appear to have an A, B or D reference after the part code)

There was a problem with some 2010/11 engines but it was not related to the EGR .

I had a 2014 180 from new. The EGR had no A/B/C letter. I sold it in 2024 after 140,000 miles and it was NOT using any oil between annual services. It was a daily driver but the shortest trip was 30 miles or so.

Is your vehicle using any oil?

I would suggest carrying out an Oil Analysis on the used engine oil. If you have high levels of Aluminium then you are probably heading for increasing oil use and eventually having to replace the engine at a cost of £10,000+.

If the oil analysis is OK then you need to change the EGR valve + EGR Oil Cooler combined costing £1500+.

Cleaning the EGR valve is possible but will only be temporary.