GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the EGR position sensor parameter of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve to ensure that the valve responds properly to commands from the PCM. The PCM compares the EGR position sensor parameter with the desired EGR position parameter when the valve is commanded open. If the PCM detects a difference of 12 percent between the EGR position sensor parameter and desired EGR position parameter for a calibrated amount of time, DTC P0404 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition 1 signal parameter is between 11-18 volts.
    • The EGR valve is commanded open.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The difference between the desired EGR position parameter and the EGR position sensor parameter is more than 12 percent.
    • The condition is present for more than 10 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.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for excessive deposits on the EGR pintle or seat. Remove the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
    • Inspect for deposits that may interfere with the EGR valve pintle extending completely or may cause the pintle to stick. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Cleaning .
    • If the condition is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Command the EGR valve from 0-100 percent with a scan tool.

Does the EGR position sensor parameter remain within 12 percent of the desired EGR position parameter when commanded with a scan tool?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data 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 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Observe the EGR position sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the EGR position sensor parameter less than the specified value?

1%

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the 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 less than the specified value?

1%

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 16

6

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the high control circuit of the EGR valve and a good ground.
  3. Command the EGR valve from 0-10 percent and from 10-0 percent with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON at 10 percent and OFF at 0 percent when commanded with a scan tool?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the EGR valve.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the high control circuit of the EGR valve and a good ground.
  5. Command the EGR valve from 0-10 percent and from 10-0 percent with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON at 10 percent and OFF at 0 percent when commanded with a scan tool?

 

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Connect a test lamp between the high control circuit of the EGR valve and the low control circuit of the EGR valve.
  2. Command the EGR valve from 0-10 percent and from 10-0 percent with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON at 10 percent and OFF at 0 percent when commanded with a scan tool?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

9

Does the test lamp remain illuminated when commanded to 0 percent with a scan tool?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

10

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 11

Go to Step 12

11

Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the EGR valve and the EGR valve position signal circuit.

Is the EGR position sensor parameter more than the specified value?

99%

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 18

12

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

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 19

13

Test the high control circuit of the EGR valve for the following conditions:

    • A short to ground
    • High resistance
    • An open

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

14

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

15

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

16

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

17

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

18

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

19

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the EGR valve for the following conditions:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 21

20

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 22

21

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 23

22

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 24

--

23

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 24

--

24

  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 25

25

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK