Parts for your 1999 Nissan Primera-Egr valve

1999 Nissan Primera EGR valve — what it does and how to look after it

Based on technical sources, the 1999 Nissan Primera (P11 series) is fitted with an EGR valve. The Nissan Primera P11 Service Manual (Engine Control, EGR/BPT system section), the Haynes Manual for Nissan Primera Oct 1990–2002 (Book No. 3507, Emissions control chapter), and Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue (listing the EGR valve assembly under group 14710 for SR20DE petrol and CD20T diesel variants) all document an exhaust gas recirculation system on these engines. That covers common 1999 engines such as the SR20DE 2.0 petrol, 1.6/1.8 petrols, and the 2.0 diesel (market-dependent).

The EGR valve routes a metered bit of exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperatures. That helps cut NOx emissions, can smooth part‑throttle running, and sometimes improves cruise fuel economy. On these Primeras, the EGR is controlled by vacuum and a solenoid (with a BPT back‑pressure transducer on many petrol variants), or by vacuum/electronic control on diesel models.

When the EGR clogs or sticks, it can cause rough idle, pinging under load, flat spots, diesel soot, or an emissions fail. Typical fault codes include P0400 (EGR flow), P0401 (insufficient flow), P0402 (excessive flow) and P0403 (EGR control circuit).

• Inspection: Check vacuum hoses, the EGR control solenoid, and the BPT valve (where fitted) for splits, leaks, or corrosion under the bonnet.
• Cleaning: Remove the EGR valve and scrape carbon from the pintle and passages. Use an intake/EGR-safe cleaner, avoid soaking electronics. Fit a new gasket on refit.
• Passages: Carboned‑up intake runners and the EGR gallery at the rear of the head are common—clean both sides or the fault returns.
• Testing: Apply vacuum to the diaphragm at warm idle, the engine should stumble if the valve opens. On diesel, verify the actuator moves and commanded duty via scan data.
• Replacement: Use quality OE or OE‑equivalent parts. Penetrating oil on mounting bolts helps, torque to spec from the service manual and clear any stored codes.

EGR isn’t a scheduled replacement item, but on Aussie and Kiwi fuel and lots of short trips, checking and cleaning every 60,000–100,000 km keeps the Primera happy. Diesel CD20T models may also have an EGR cooler—make sure it isn’t restricted and that coolant leaks aren’t present.

Popular questions about the 1999 Nissan Primera EGR valve

Does a 1999 Nissan Primera actually have an EGR valve?
Yes. Factory documentation for the P11 confirms EGR across the SR20DE petrol, most 1.6/1.8 petrol variants, and the 2.0 diesel in 1999. Market spec can vary slightly, but the emissions hardware for Euro/OBD‑II compliance on that model year includes EGR.

What are the common EGR fault codes on this model?
Expect P0400 (EGR flow malfunction), P0401 (insufficient flow), P0402 (excessive flow), and P0403 (EGR control circuit). They’re usually tied to carbon build‑up, split vacuum hoses, a lazy control solenoid, or a stuck pintle.

Is it OK to keep driving with a dodgy EGR valve?
It’ll usually run, but there can be pinging, higher emissions, soot, or limp‑style performance. For rego checks, fuel economy, and engine health, it’s best to diagnose and fix sooner rather than later.