GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 683278  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Sensor Controls: MAF, EGR, and EVAP
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
VCM Connector End Views

Circuit Description

An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is used in order to lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission levels caused by high combustion temperatures. The EGR accomplishes this by feeding small amounts of exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber. When the air/fuel mixture is diluted with the exhaust gases, combustion temperatures are reduced.

A linear EGR valve is used on this system. The linear EGR valve is designed in order to accurately supply exhaust gases to the engine without the use of intake manifold vacuum. The valve controls exhaust flow going into the intake manifold from the exhaust manifold through an orifice with a control module controlled pintle valve. The control module commands the EGR by applying a 12 volt duty cycle to the EGR valve. This can be monitored on a scan tool as desired EGR position.

The control module can monitor the pintle position with the EGR pintle position signal. This sensor uses a variable resistor with a 5 volt reference, a signal circuit, and a ground. The signal circuit monitors changes in voltage on the variable resistor as the pintle moves.

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

    • A poor connection
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. During idle, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve should not be open more than 0 percent.

  2. This step checks the ability of the pintle to be manually commanded to the desired positions.

  3. This step checks the electrical circuit for a short to voltage.

  4. This step checks the electrical control circuits from the vehicle control module (VCM) to the EGR valve.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Set the parking brake and block the drive wheels.
  2. Install the scan tool.
  3. Idle the engine until the engine reaches the normal operating temperature.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to check the actual EGR position.

Does the scan tool indicate more than the specified value?

0 %

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to command ON the EGR valve to the specified value.

Does the actual EGR position follow the commanded EGR position?

100 %

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

4

Disconnect the EGR valve harness connector.

Does the scan tool indicate the actual EGR position above the specified value?

0 %

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition
  2. Connect a test lamp between the EGR valve control circuit and the EGR valve ground circuit at the EGR harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

6

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the EGR valve feed control circuit and the EGR valve ground circuit at the EGR harness connector.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to command ON the EGR valve to the specified value.

Is the test lamp ON?

100 %

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Probe the EGR valve ground circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Check the EGR valve feed control circuit for an open.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

9

Check the EGR valve ground circuit for the following conditions:

    • A short to voltage
    • An open circuit
    • Excessive resistance

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

10

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine off.
  2. Use a DMM that is connected to a ground in order to probe the EGR 5-V reference circuit at the EGR valve harness connector.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

5.2 V

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Use a test lamp that is connected to B+ in order to probe the EGR sensor ground circuit at the EGR valve harness connector.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 12

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the VCM C4 connector.
  3. Check the EGR sensor ground circuit for an open.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

13

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use a DMM that is connected to a ground in order to probe the EGR 5-volt reference circuit at the EGR valve harness connector.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5.2 V

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 22

14

  1. Disconnect the EGR valve harness connector.
  2. Install a jumper between the 5-volt reference circuit and the EGR pintle position signal circuit at the EGR valve harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Is the actual EGR position near the specified value?

100 %

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 20

15

  1. Disconnect the VCM C4 connector .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Check the EGR valve feed control circuit for a short to voltage.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

16

  1. Disconnect the VCM C2 connector.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Check the EGR pintle position signal circuit for a short to voltage.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

17

  1. Start the engine .
  2. Observe the MAP sensor reading.
  3. Command ON the EGR valve to the specified value.
  4. Observe the MAP sensor reading.

Does the MAP sensor reading go higher?

30%

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 18

18

Repair the blockage in the EGR valve passages.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 24

--

19

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 24

--

20

Check the EGR pintle position circuit for an open or a short to ground.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

21

Check for a poor connection at the VCM connectors.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

22

Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 24

--

23

Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed.

Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 24

--

24

  1. Set the parking brake and block the drive wheels.
  2. Install the scan tool.
  3. Idle the engine until normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Command ON and OFF the EGR using the scan tool.

Does the actual EGR position follow the commanded EGR position?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2