The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is used to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels caused by combustion temperatures exceeding 816°C (1,500°F). It does this by introducing small amounts of exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas absorbs a portion of the thermal energy produced by the combustion process and thus decreases combustion temperature. The EGR system will only operate under specific temperature, barometric pressure and engine load conditions in order to prevent drivability concerns and to increase engine performance.

The linear exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve consists of the following:

The linear exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is controlled by a high side driver within the powertrain control module (PCM). This high side driver uses a 12-volt pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. The ground path for the EGR valve is completed by turning on a separate driver within the PCM. The PCM calculates the amount of EGR needed based on the following inputs:

The powertrain control module (PCM) tests the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow during deceleration by momentarily commanding the EGR valve to open while monitoring the signal of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. When the EGR valve is opened, the PCM will expect to see a predetermined increase in MAP. If the expected increase in MAP is not detected, the PCM records the amount of MAP difference that was detected and adjusts a calibrated fail counter towards a calibrated fail threshold level. When the fail counter exceeds the fail threshold level, the PCM will set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

Normally, the PCM will only allow one EGR Flow Test Count during an ignition cycle. To aid in verifying a repair, the PCM allows twelve EGR Flow Test Counts during the first ignition cycle following a code clear or a battery disconnect. Between nine and twelve EGR Flow Test Counts should be sufficient for the PCM to determine adequate EGR flow and pass the EGR flow test. If the PCM detects an EGR flow error, a DTC will set.

The PCM monitors the position of the EGR valve pintle via the EGR position sensor. If the PCM detects a calibrated variance between the Desired EGR Position parameter and the EGR Position Sensor parameter, actual position, for a calibrated amount of time a DTC will set.

The PCM also monitors the EGR solenoid high control circuit EGR solenoid low control circuit for electrical faults. If an EGR control circuit fault is detected for a calibrated amount of time a DTC will set.