Ignition, fuel and air
PCV valve replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $12 | $70 |
| Labor: 0.5 to 0.9 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $55 | $135 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $10 |
| Total, rounded | $65 | $220 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
The positive crankcase ventilation valve lets engine gases flow back into the intake. A stuck one can cause oil leaks, rough idle and lean codes.
Get quotes from local shops
Tell us the job and your ZIP. Free, takes a minute.
Fair Price is not a contractor or a repair shop. Who sees your request
What is usually included
- New PCV valve
- Check the PCV hoses
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Valve built into the valve cover
- Hose replacement
- Whether the valve is a separate part or built into the valve cover
- Part price
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the PCV system tested first?
- Are the hoses replaced?
- Is the valve built into another part?
- What symptoms led to this?
Can you do it yourself?
An easy DIY on most engines; hoses can be brittle so go gently.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What does a bad PCV valve cause?
Oil leaks, rough idle, oil use, and sludge. A stuck valve builds pressure in the engine that pushes oil past seals and gaskets.
Is it a cheap part?
Usually yes, often $10 to $70. On some engines it is built into the valve cover, which costs more and takes longer.
How often should it be replaced?
Some makers list intervals around 60,000 miles. Others check it only when symptoms appear.
How much does pcv valve replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $65 to $220. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $70 to $240 |
| New York City area | $70 to $230 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $70 to $240 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $65 to $220 |
| Houston area, Texas | $60 to $220 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $60 to $220 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $65 to $220 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $65 to $220 |
| Miami area, Florida | $60 to $220 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $70 to $240 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
More ignition, fuel and air repairs
- Ignition coil replacement (one coil)
- Fuel injector replacement (one injector)
- Fuel pump replacement
- Mass airflow sensor replacement
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle body replacement
- Vacuum leak repair
- Crankshaft position sensor replacement
- Camshaft position sensor replacement
- Coolant temperature sensor replacement
- VVT solenoid / cam phaser repair
- Turbo boost leak repair