GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0406: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5 Volt Reference

P0641, P0532, P0452, P0107

P0405

P0641

--

Sensor Signal

P0405

P0405

P0406

P0404, P042E

Low Reference

--

P0406

--

--

EGR Solenoid High Control

--

P0403

P0403

--

EGR Solenoid Low Control

--

P0403

--

--

Circuit Description

The control module tests the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system during deceleration. The control module does this by momentarily commanding the EGR valve to open while monitoring the signal circuit of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. When the EGR valve is opened, the control module will expect to see a predetermined increase in MAP. If the expected increase in MAP is not detected, the control module records the amount of MAP difference that was detected and adjusts a calibrated fail counter towards a calibrated fail threshold level. The number of EGR flow test counts required to exceed the fail threshold may vary according to the amount of detected EGR flow error.

The EGR valve position sensor is monitored by the control module. The 5-volt reference circuit, the low reference circuit, and the EGR valve position signal circuit are used by the control module to determine the EGR valve position. The control module compares the EGR Position Sensor parameter with the desired EGR Position parameter when the valve is commanded open or closed.

The control module controls the EGR valve with a solid state device called a driver. The driver supplies the EGR solenoid with 12 volts that is pulse width modulated (PWM) through the EGR solenoid high control circuit. A ground path is provided by the control module through the EGR solenoid low control circuit. The driver has the ability to detect an electrical malfunction on the EGR solenoid control circuits.

When the ignition switch is turned ON, the control module records the EGR Learned Minimum Position. The control module compares the EGR Learned Minimum Position parameter to the EGR Position Sensor parameter.

The control module is able to determine if the EGR valve position sensor signal voltage is too high.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0641 and P0651 are not set.
    • The Ignition 1 Signal parameter is more than 11 volts.
    • The engine is running.
    • The DTC P0401 intrusive test is not active.
    • The EGR valve is not being commanded with a scan tool.
    • DTC P0406 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EGR Position Sensor parameter is more than 94.7 percent of the 5-volt reference voltage for longer than 20 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0406 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0406 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

Important: If DTC P0641 or P0651 are also set, diagnose those DTCs first.

    • With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, command the EGR from 0-90 percent. The EGR Position Sensor parameter should remain within 3 percent of the Desired EGR Position parameter through the entire range.
    • Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records list.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must complete the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the EGR valve harness connector.
  2. Test for less than 3 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground, short to EGR control circuits or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage . If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Verify the EGR Position parameter is less than 1 percent.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit . The EGR Position Sensor parameter should display more than 90 percent.
  9. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the EGR Valve.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for control module replacement and programming
    •  Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement