While it’s a bit of a mouthful, a vehicle’s “positive crankcase ventilation” valve, or PCV valve for short, is a crucial emission control device.
Simply put, a PCV valve is a small, spring-loaded “plunger” valve that vents leftover combustion gas leaking between the pistons and cylinder walls. This is normal for any engine, in moderation, and is referred to as “blow-by.”
If your car’s PCV valve fails, pressure will build within the crankcase due to the unvented blow-by. Furthermore, it will leave behind a residue that can coat internal elements. Both issues can drastically harm your engine if left unchecked.
What are the indications of a defective PCV valve?
The most common signs of a PCV valve problem include the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds
- Check engine light
- Oil leaks/increased oil consumption
- Reduced fuel economy
- Rough/high engine idle
- Black/gray exhaust smoke
- Engine misfires
- Rough acceleration
- Engine stall
As for the expense of replacing a PCV valve, expect to spend between $42.50 and $90, depending on shop rates, parts pricing, and your vehicle’s make and model.
This guide covers these symptoms and repair expenses in greater detail. We’ll also review what causes PCV valve failure and what can happen if you continue driving after symptoms appear.
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What Causes PCV Valve Failure?
Automakers usually suggest cleaning or replacing your car’s PCV valve and adjoining hoses and gaskets every 20,000 to 50,000 miles. Not performing this routine service can result in the plunger valve getting stuck in the open or closed position or somewhere between.
A PCV valve can also fail from ordinary wear and tear, accelerated by its location where it endures prolonged exposure to extreme heat and pressure.
Stuck open, the engine will run “lean,” meaning too much air enters the crankcase, disrupting the combustion process. Stuck closed, the engine will run “rich,” AKA too much fuel.
A PCV valve that stays closed can also lead to excess pressure building in the crankcase, affecting hoses, gaskets, and even the engine’s oil.
No matter the cause, there are a few typical symptoms of PCV valve failure you may start noticing.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad PCV Valve?
Symptom #1: Whistling Or Hissing Sounds
One unique symptom of a bad PCV valve is hearing “whistling” or “hissing” sounds from the engine.
This may occur if your PCV valve is stuck somewhat open or closed as air passes through. It’s also possible the seal conjoining the PCV valve to the crankcase is deteriorated and leaking air.
Symptom #2: Check Engine Light
Your vehicle’s check engine light may also appear due to PCV valve issues. This is most likely from a sensor detecting an anomaly in the engine’s air-fuel mixture.
While you may notice corresponding signs of a faulty PCV valve, only scanning for error codes with an OBD II tool will tell for sure.
Symptom #3: Oil Leaks/Increased Oil Consumption
A pool of oil under your car is another sign of a faulty PCV valve, as is extreme oil consumption (more than a quart every 1,000 miles).
The issue probably arises from the blow-by within the crankcase not releasing. If the pressure becomes too excessive, oil might seep through seals and gather beneath the car.
Symptom #4: Reduced Fuel Economy
Your engine requires a precise blend of air and fuel for proper combustion, all determined by the engine control unit (ECU). But, if your car’s PCV valve is stuck open, more air will enter the mix.
To compensate for the additional air, the ECU adds more fuel, burning through gas faster and lowering fuel economy.
Symptom #5: Black/Blue Exhaust Smoke
Another indication of a defective PCV valve, or clogged PCV hose, is blue or black smoke coming from your car’s exhaust pipe.
This occurs when accumulated pressure inside the crankcase forces motor oil into the combustion chamber. It’s then ignited with the air-fuel mixture before exiting the tailpipe with a black or blue tint.
Symptom #6: Rough/High Engine Idle
After entering the intake manifold, outside air is evenly distributed to the engine cylinders. The PCV valve regulates the pressure between these parts.
A PCV valve stuck open functions the same as an intake leak, meaning less air makes it to the cylinders, so “running thin.” This causes the engine to work harder, resulting in a rough or elevated engine idle.
Symptom #7: Engine Misfires
Misfires occur when there’s a combustion issue, like an uneven air-fuel mixture, a common bad PCV valve symptom. A misfire essentially means a cylinder was skipped because it didn’t fire.
You may notice the engine briefly lose power and stutter. Misfires are most evident when accelerating but are also detected at idle.
Symptom #8: Rough Acceleration
Another sign of a faulty PCV valve is rough or insufficient acceleration. Since controlled explosions create power in the cylinders, an engine running lean or rich may feel lethargic when accelerating.
Moreover, back-pressure can build in the exhaust from the lack of ventilation, something the engine must work against, decreasing acceleration.
Symptom #9: Engine Stall
You may also experience an engine stall if your car’s PCV valve goes defective. Stalling happens for the same reason as misfires or a coarse idle; an uneven air-fuel mixture.
Specifically, if the PCV gets stuck open, excessive air will enter the combustion chamber. This may affect ignition long enough to stop the engine.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Bad PCV Valve?
There are two options for fixing PCV valve problems: clean or replace the valve. If your car’s PCV is satisfactory, a tech can clean it, and you’ll only have to pay for their time.
If you need to replace the PCV valve, the part itself costs just $5 to $25. As for labor costs, most repair shops charge for 30 minutes at a rate of $75 to $130 per hour.
Using these figures, the entire cost of replacing a PCV valve ranges from $42.50 to $90, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
RepairPal shows a similar spread of $76 to $92, while CarTreatments claims a range of $35 to $75.
Ultimately, cleaning or replacing a bad PCV valve is not a significant job. However, ignoring a failed PCV valve can have severe consequences for your car’s engine.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Bad PCV Valve?
PCV valves are fairly reliable, especially if you’re regularly maintaining your vehicle, which helps defend again clogging and overheating.
Ignoring a defective PCV valve won’t cause immediate harm, but after a while, the symptoms can take their toll. This applies not just to the driver but also to other engine components.
You can potentially get 5,000 more miles from a car with a defective PCV valve, but it’s questionable.
In case you observe PCV valve issues, take swift action as the repair cost is typically under $100.
