What are my options if my Volkswagen replacement emission parts are obsolete?

My VW may possibly have a bad egr valve. It failed a smog test and I have since replaced all vacuum/emission hoses that could be replaced with the proper hoses and cleaned out the egr tubes as I had several years ago when it had failed also. The egr valve has a rubber diaphragm and an electrical connector on the housing, going by the troubleshooting manual for the vehicle it says that the vehicle should die or almost die when the electrical connector is unplugged, if no Change in idle then the egr valve is bad (providing all of the egr tubes are clear). So the valve is bad and Volkswagen no longer makes a replacement and no aftermarket parts houses list a replacement. What next?

Answer:

You have two options. You may want to contact the State Smog Check Parts Locator. The State's Part Locator helps motorists locate hard-to-find emissions parts that are needed to bring their vehicles into compliance with state law. If the parts are not available, the they may be able to issue you a "Limited Parts Exemption". In most cases the needed parts are found. You may contact the State Smog Check Parts locator by calling 800–622–7733. Note: The Smog Check Parts Locator is part of the services provided by the State Smog Check Referee's Office.

If they are unable to help you, you may seek assistance from the state smog referee’s office in the form of a waiver.

posted by SmogTips Support