Worried you might overpay for your positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement.

Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate

No spam

Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?
Where can I get my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?
What happens if I don’t replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?
What is a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?
Can I replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?

A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement comes with an average total cost of $185-$220. Of course, your exact cost will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, as well as typical labor costs for your area.

How long does it take to replace a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve? Replacing a positive crankcase ventilation valve usually takes a certified mechanic 1-2 hours. First, the mechanic will inspect your vehicle to confirm whether there’s a problem with the PCV valve, then follow through with its replacement if necessary.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement and how much do those parts cost?

In most cases, there’s just one part you’ll need for a positive crankcase ventilation valve replacement:

Positive crankcase ventilation valve: The PCV valve helps route exhaust gases from the engine crankcase back to the air intake manifold, where they can enter the combustion process again. For most vehicles, you can usually expect a PCV valve to cost less than $20.

Some reputable brands we recommend include ACDelco, Fram, and Motorcraft for reliable and quality PCV valve replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, RockAuto, and NAPA Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

It’s usually a good idea to stick with an OEM part when replacing your positive crankcase ventilation valve, especially since they’re relatively cheap anyway. If you prefer to explore your aftermarket options, you’ll want to confirm that they meet the specifications your vehicle requires.

Where can I buy parts for my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement?

You can find replacement positive crankcase ventilation valves at most auto parts stores, such as AutoZone, RockAuto, and NAPA Auto Parts—and they’re usually pretty affordable. You could also purchase them via Amazon or a dealership.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replaced?

It can be challenging to find reliable auto repair shops—but if you need a PCV valve replacement, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help by comparing costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each shop using their real hourly labor rate and shows you what you’ll need to budget for. You can even see real customer reviews before deciding to schedule a service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

102 Reviews

Zippy Lube

707 N Englewood Dr., Raleigh, NC

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Pcv Valve

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$188

(Parts - $23, Labor - $165)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (765) 362-3371

122 Reviews

EXSA Automotive

550 Hartrey Ave, Evanston, IL

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Pcv Valve

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$111

(Parts - $23, Labor - $88)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (224) 227-9999

105 Reviews

Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Savannah Highway #38

1550 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Pcv Valve

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$164

(Parts - $23, Labor - $141)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$99.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (843) 766-7415

153 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - Liverpool

7608 Oswego Rd Ste 1, Liverpool, NY

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Pcv Valve

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$136

(Parts - $23, Labor - $113)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (315) 622-4002

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?

The exact steps to replace a PCV valve may vary slightly depending on your vehicle’s setup, but here’s generally what a mechanic will do to take care of the replacement:

Inspection: Your mechanic will take a look under your car’s hood to locate the PCV valve and inspect it and any surrounding parts for evidence of damage or faulty performance. They might also use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the emissions system to check for other potential problems.

Remove and replace the PCV valve: If your mechanic determines there’s a problem with the PCV valve—or you’ve reached the mileage interval when it’s time for a replacement—your mechanic will remove the old PCV valve. This is often just a matter of unplugging it from its rubber grommet on a valve cover and connecting PCV valve hose clamps but can vary slightly with different vehicles. Then, they’ll reinstall the new PCV valve.

Quality assurance check: Depending on the symptoms you experience, the mechanic may check for error codes, run your engine, or test drive the vehicle for a time to ensure all parts of your vehicle’s emissions systems are working properly.

What happens if I don’t replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?

A failing positive crankcase ventilation valve can throw off the engine’s air-fuel ratio during the combustion process. This can lead to worsening gas mileage, and you also risk having excess sludge buildup in your engine.

If you take too long to replace a failed PCV valve, you could risk serious long-term damage to your engine.

Keep an eye out for these warning signs that can point to a problem with the PCV valve:

Visible damage to the PCV valve

Poor gas mileage

Rough-running engine

Oil leaks

Hissing or whistling engine noises

An illuminated check engine light

Excessive engine oil consumption

Keep in mind: Many of these symptoms can also be linked to other problems with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. A certified mechanic can properly diagnose your vehicle’s problems.

What is a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve?

A positive crankcase ventilation valve—known as a PCV valve for short—is a one-way valve that allows exhaust and unburned fuel to make its way out of the crankcase in your car’s engine and back into the intake manifold, where they can re-enter the combustion process.

The PCV valve helps reduce harmful emissions and plays a crucial role in ensuring that too much sludge doesn’t build up in the engine, which would lead to serious (and seriously expensive) damage.

When should I replace the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve on my car?

You should replace a faulty PCV valve if you notice the following:

Illuminated check engine light

Engine misfiring

Hissing or whistling noises from the engine

Oil leaks (likely from blown engine seals or gaskets)

Rough engine idling

Reduced fuel economy

Failed emissions test

How often should a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve be replaced?

Common replacement intervals can range from 20,000 to 50,000 miles, but you should check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle’s maintenance intervals include a recommendation for PCV valve replacement.

Outside your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended replacement intervals, the only time you should need to replace the PCV valve is if it’s been prematurely damaged. Some PCV valves can develop clogs if enough oil or sludge builds up inside them.

Can I replace my positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve myself?

The process of replacing a PCV valve is simple overall, and some will find this to be a surprisingly quick and easy DIY car repair. That said, some vehicles’ PCV valves are more complicated or challenging to access than others.

If you don’t feel comfortable replacing a PCV valve yourself, you should have a professional mechanic take care of the job for you.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Trunk Lift Support Shocks Replacement Cost Estimate

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Cost Estimate

Cooling Radiator Fan Motor Replacement Cost Estimate

Air Pump Replacement Cost Estimate

Points And Condenser Replacement Cost Estimate

Yaw Rate Sensor Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

How much should it cost to replace a PCV valve?

The cost of the PCV valve part itself is relatively inexpensive and can often range from $10 to $20. If you have your PCV valve replaced by a mechanic, you’ll need to account for labor costs as well, which can often result in a total bill around $70 on average.

Keep in mind: If your vehicle is still under warranty, you might not have to worry about paying for a replacement PCV valve out of pocket.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the positive crankcase ventilation PCV valve?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of a failed PCV valve:

Illuminated check engine light

Engine misfiring

Hissing or whistling noises from the engine

Oil leaks (likely from blown engine seals or gaskets)

Rough engine idling

Reduced fuel economy

Failed emissions test

Since many failed PCV valve symptoms are similar to those with other engine issues, a certified mechanic can help you determine the root cause of your problem.

What can happen if I don’t replace my PCV valve?

A positive crankcase ventilation system or PCV system helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions—and it also reduces sludge buildup in your engine.

If too much oil and sludge start building up in your engine on account of a faulty PCV valve and the issue goes unaddressed for too long, it could lead to serious damage and reduce your engine’s lifespan.

Since PCV valve parts themselves are relatively inexpensive, it’s usually best to replace them as soon as possible—that way you won’t have to deal with more costly problems later.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.