exhaust

EGR Cooler

for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
5.2 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replacement of the EGR cooler assembly on the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including removal of exhaust components, coolant system drainage, and heat shielding to access the cooler unit.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely for minimum 3 hours before starting work. Coolant system operates at high pressure and temperature.
⚠️Exhaust components retain extreme heat for extended periods. Verify all exhaust parts are cool to touch before removal.
The EGR cooler contains coolant passages that will drain when disconnected. Have adequate catch pans positioned.
Exhaust studs and bolts are prone to seizing on turbo engines. Apply penetrating oil 24 hours before work if possible.
ℹ️This procedure requires draining a portion of the cooling system. Coolant must be properly recycled or disposed of per local regulations.

Tools required

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Parts

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Fluids

  • Maserati OAT Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
  3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on quick-release fasteners
  4. Place vehicle on level ground with parking brake engaged
  5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands if additional underside access is needed
  6. Spray all exhaust fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
  7. Clear diagnostic trouble codes if present using OBD-II scanner for baseline reference

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain cooling system
    Place drain pan under radiator drain plug. Open radiator drain valve and remove coolant reservoir cap to allow system to drain. Drain approximately 3-4 quarts until coolant level is below EGR cooler. Close drain valve when complete. This is a partial drain, not a complete flush.
    Coolant may still be warm even after engine has cooled. Wear protective gloves.
  2. 2
    Remove intake components for access
    Disconnect mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen clamps on intake air duct between airbox and turbocharger inlet. Remove air duct assembly. Disconnect vacuum lines and electrical connectors from intake manifold as needed for working clearance. Label all connections for reassembly.
  3. 3
    Disconnect EGR valve and electrical connections
    Locate EGR valve mounted on intake manifold. Disconnect electrical connector from EGR valve. Remove vacuum lines connected to EGR system. Unbolt EGR valve from intake manifold and set aside (valve may remain connected to EGR pipe). Note position of gasket surfaces for reassembly.
  4. 4
    Remove heat shields
    Remove heat shields covering the turbochargers and exhaust system. These are typically secured with multiple bolts around the turbo area. Remove all Heat Shield Bolts and carefully extract shields. Some shields may have multiple mounting points and require sequential loosening.
    Heat shields may have sharp edges. Wear gloves during removal.
    Torque spec
    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove oxygen sensors if obstructing access
    If oxygen sensors obstruct EGR cooler removal, disconnect electrical connectors first. Using oxygen sensor socket, carefully unthread sensors from exhaust pipes. Apply anti-seize to threads only (not sensor tip) during removal preparation. Set sensors aside in clean area to prevent contamination.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Disconnect EGR cooler coolant lines
    Position drain pan under EGR cooler coolant connections. Using appropriate hose clamp pliers, release clamps on coolant inlet and outlet hoses connected to EGR cooler. Carefully twist and pull hoses from cooler nipples. Expect residual coolant to drain. Plug hoses with clean rags to prevent contamination.
    Residual coolant will drain from lines and cooler. Ensure drain pan is positioned correctly.
  7. 7
    Remove EGR pipe exhaust connection
    Locate the connection between the EGR pipe and exhaust manifold or turbocharger outlet. Remove Exhaust Flange Bolts connecting EGR pipe to exhaust system. Note the position of any gaskets or spacers. The connection may be stiff due to carbon buildup; use penetrating oil if needed. Apply anti-seize to bolt threads during removal for reinstallation.
    Exhaust connection may have significant carbon buildup. Use wire brush to clean mating surfaces after separation.
    Torque spec
    Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove EGR cooler mounting hardware
    Locate all mounting brackets and bolts securing the EGR cooler assembly to the engine block or cylinder head. Remove Mounting Bolts holding the cooler in position. Support the cooler with one hand while removing final fasteners to prevent dropping. Note bracket positions and any support hardware for reassembly.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Extract EGR cooler assembly
    Carefully maneuver the EGR cooler assembly out from the engine bay. The unit may require angling and rotating to clear turbochargers, hoses, and wiring harnesses. Take care not to damage coolant nipples or mounting ears. Once removed, inspect old cooler for cracks, leaks, or internal blockage. Drain any residual coolant from old cooler into drain pan.
  10. 10
    Clean mating surfaces and inspect connections
    Using gasket scraper and wire brush, thoroughly clean all mating surfaces where gaskets seal: exhaust flange connection, EGR valve mounting surface, coolant nipple areas, and mounting bracket surfaces. Remove all carbon deposits and old gasket material. Inspect exhaust studs for damage or excessive corrosion; replace if threads are compromised. Verify coolant passages in engine block are clear of debris.
  11. 11
    Install new EGR cooler assembly
    Install new gaskets on coolant nipples and mounting surfaces per gasket kit instructions. Position new EGR cooler into engine bay, routing carefully around turbochargers and other components. Align mounting holes with brackets. Install Mounting Bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a cross-pattern to specification. Ensure cooler is fully seated before final tightening.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reconnect exhaust and EGR valve connections
    Install new exhaust flange gasket at EGR pipe connection. Apply anti-seize compound to Exhaust Flange Bolts threads. Position EGR pipe to exhaust manifold/turbo outlet and install bolts, tightening in cross-pattern to specification. Reinstall EGR valve to intake manifold with new gasket, connecting vacuum lines and electrical connector. Verify all connections are secure.
    Torque spec
    Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reconnect coolant lines and install heat shields
    Connect coolant inlet and outlet hoses to EGR cooler nipples. Install new hose clamps and position properly on hose barbs. Tighten clamps securely but do not overtighten to avoid damaging hoses. Reinstall all heat shields removed earlier, securing with Heat Shield Bolts to specification. Verify shields are properly positioned and not contacting moving parts.
    Torque spec
    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Reinstall oxygen sensors and intake components
    If removed, reinstall oxygen sensors. Apply anti-seize to sensor threads only (never on sensor tip). Torque O2 sensors to specification using oxygen sensor socket. Reconnect all electrical connectors. Reinstall intake air duct, mass airflow sensor connection, and any vacuum lines. Secure all clamps and verify proper routing of hoses and wiring.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Refill cooling system and bleed air
    Using Maserati OAT coolant, refill cooling system through reservoir. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level and add as needed while engine runs and air purges from system. Check for leaks at all EGR cooler connections. Top off coolant to proper level when engine fully warmed and air is purged. Install engine cover.
    Monitor for coolant leaks closely during first heat cycle. Shut down immediately if leaks are observed.

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and verify no warning lights remain illuminated after startup
  2. Torque all fasteners to specification in the sequence indicated during installation steps
  3. Double-check all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses are properly secured
  4. Verify heat shields are not contacting any moving components or vibrating parts

Verification

  • Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at EGR cooler connections after reaching operating temperature
  • Check for exhaust leaks at EGR pipe flange connection by listening for hissing sounds
  • Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present using OBD-II scanner after test drive
  • Confirm proper EGR system operation by monitoring live data for EGR valve position and flow
  • Test drive vehicle through multiple drive cycles to ensure cooling system maintains proper temperature
  • Recheck coolant level after vehicle has cooled completely following first drive cycle

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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