Method for functional checking of an exhaust recycling system on an internal combustion engine

The invention relates to a method for checking the functional capacity of an exhaust gas recycling system on an internal combustion engine. For the checking of an exhaust gas recycling valve, the control signal for the exhaust gas return valve is returned from a defined value to zero, in the idle state of the internal combustion engine while the vehicle is at a standstill and the reaction of the signal (MAF) from an airflow detector in the inlet tract is evaluated. Should the signal not exceed a given threshold value (MAE SWD), within a first time period (T2), then a faulty dynamic is assigned to the exhaust recycling valve. Should the signal not exceed a second given threshold value (MAF SWS), within a second time period (T3), then it is determined that the exhaust recycling valve can not be completely shut.