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For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve position sensor is monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM). The 5-volt reference circuit, low reference circuit and the EGR valve position signal circuit are used by the PCM to determine the EGR valve position. If the EGR valve position sensor signal voltage is more than a calibrated value, DTC P0406 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

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

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 EGR command will be disabled if the Start-up ECT parameter is less than 5°C (41°F) and will not enable until the ECT Sensor parameter is more than 75°C (167°F)
    • The DTC P0401 intrusive test is not active.
    • The EGR valve is not being commanded with a scan tool.
    • DTC P0406 runs continuously once 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 400 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Is DTC P0641 also set?

--

Go to DTC P0641

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the EGR Position Sensor voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Is the EGR Position Sensor voltage parameter more than the specified value?

4.4 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions in Wiring Systems

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the EGR Position Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the EGR Position Sensor parameter more then the specified value?

4.4 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Connect a test lamp between the 5-volt reference circuit of the EGR valve and the low reference circuit of the EGR valve.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Test the low reference circuit of the EGR valve for an open or for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

8

Test the EGR valve position signal circuit for a short to voltage or for a short to the EGR solenoid high control circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the EGR valve. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11

Replace the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 14

14

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK