How critical is the VSV Valve??

[veejayus]

My mechanic tells me that the VSV Valve on my 99 Corolla needs to be replaced. The valve is malfunctioning and causing the Check Engine light to come on.

How critical is it that I replace the valve? As I understand it from the mechanic, the valve regulates parts of the emissions system and malfunctioning could cause higher pollution amounts being emitted from my car.

I'd like to fix the valve along with other things in the future. Advice is greatly appreciated.

[fishexpo101]

VSV is exactly how the mechanic described.

Are you asking if the repair can be postponed? Generally speaking, EVAP system VSVs can be pushed off for a little while, but should be replace as soon as conveniently possible. There are other VSVs on the car, that are more "critical" for proper operation - need more information as to which VSV is faulty.

Keep in mind that if you have an inspection coming up or need to have the car's emission tested - many times it will automatically fail due to the CEL being set. Not sure how it works in Toronto area, but where I live at, if the car fails emissions, I cannot register the car for street use.

Repairs that are pushed off can also be more costly down the road - if another component is dependent on that particular VSV. Again, it would depend on which VSV we are talking about.