The EGR valve is located beneath the distributor on the Volkswagen golf, and to its right stands a
Battery. Most of the times when this emissions system fails it is because of a stuck or corroded EGR valve. Do not touch with your hands! Now, press diaphragm of the EGR valve. Push diaphragm within housing up and down using moderate pressure. However, if it fails to move in any way or moves after great effort, changing with new EGR valve should be necessary. Incase you are not sure about how your's look like check for free movement comparing with a new one.