GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 50808  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
IAC Valve, EVAP and EGR Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Engine Controls Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

An Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system lowers the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emission levels that are caused by high combustion temperatures. This is accomplished by feeding small amounts of exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber. When the air/fuel mixture is diluted with the exhaust gases, the combustion temperatures are reduced.

A linear EGR valve is used on this system. The linear EGR valve is designed to accurately supply exhaust gases to the engine without the use of the intake manifold vacuum. The valve controls the exhaust flow going into the intake manifold from the exhaust manifold through an orifice with a PCM controlled pintle. The PCM controls the pintle position by using inputs from the Throttle Position (TP) sensor and the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. The PCM then commands the EGR valve to operate when necessary by controlling an ignition signal through the PCM. This can be monitored on a scan tool as the Desired EGR Position.

The PCM monitors the results of the command through a feedback signal. By sending a 5 volt reference and a ground to the EGR valve, a voltage signal representing the EGR valve pintle position travels to the PCM. This feedback signal can also be monitored on a scan tool and is the actual position of the EGR pintle. The Actual EGR Position should always be near the commanded or the Desired EGR Position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0200, P0300-P0304, P0335, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0502, P0506, P0507, P1336, P1404 and P1441 not set.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 11.7 V.
    • The PCM sees less than 0.11 voltage from the EGR valve sensor.
    • A malfunction is present for 25 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers will store this information.
    • A history DTC is stored
    • The EGR Valve is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Due to the moisture that is associated with exhaust systems, the EGR valve may freeze and stick in colder weather at times. After the vehicle is brought into a warm shop for repairs, the valve warms and the problem disappears. By watching the Actual EGR and the Desired EGR Positions on a cold vehicle with a scan tool, you can easily verify the malfunction. Check the freeze frame data in order to determine if the DTC set when the vehicle was cold by viewing the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT).

If a condition occurs where the EGR valve signal is pulled low (but not to zero), the PCM will learn the new lower value as zero. When the EGR valve signal returns to normal the PCM interprets this as a value indicating that the EGR valve did not close and may set this DTC.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.

  2. Commanding the EGR valve open determines whether the EGR system can control the EGR valve accurately and if the fault is present.

  3. If the EGR valve 5.0 volt reference is shorted to ground, the DVM will read no voltage and an additional DTC will be set and engine performance will be poor. When this circuit is open, only a DTC P0405 will be set.

  4. Jumping the 5 volt reference circuit to the signal circuit checks the signal circuit and PCM.

    The scan tool should display the Actual EGR Position as 100% if the signal circuit and PCM are OK.

  5. Although the PCM and circuitry acted correctly in the previous step, a problem may still lie within the terminals which would not show up in probe type testing. Check the terminals for being backed out, improperly formed or damaged, and for poor tension.

  6. All circuits to the EGR valve are OK at this point. The fault lies internally in the EGR valve and therefore must be replaced. Be sure all gasket material is removed from the EGR mounting surface. Even a small amount of material may cause a DTC P0401 to set. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement for on vehicle service of the EGR valve.

  7. The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be performed.Refer to the latest Techline procedures for PCM reprogramming and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the Crankshaft Reluctor Variation Procedure .

  8. Check the terminals for being backed out, improperly formed or damaged, and for poor tension.

  9. Clearing the DTCs is a very important step for this diagnostic. The clearing function allows the EGR valve to relearn a new pintle position as the old position was inaccurate due to the malfunction that caused the DTC. The DTC must be cleared with the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF or when the engine is idling. If the PCM sees a EGR command, the new pintle position will not be learned.

  10. If no faults have been found at this point and no additional DTCs were set, refer to Diagnostic Aids for additional checks and information.

DTC P0405 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sensor Signal Low

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Command the EGR valve to the specified values.

Does theActual EGR Position follow the Desired EGR Position ?

20%, 50%, 70%, 100%

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the EGR valve electrical connector.
  3. With a DVM connected to ground, probe the 5V reference circuit to the EGR valve.

Does the DVM read near the specified value?

5.0V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Jumper the EGR valve 5.0 volt reference circuit to the signal circuit.

Does theActual EGR Position display the specified value?

100%

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Connect the test light to B+.
  2. Probe the 5.0V reference circuit to the EGR valve.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

6

Check the 5.0V reference and signal circuit's for a poor connection or proper terminal tension and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Connect the test light to B+.
  2. Probe the signal circuit to the EGR valve.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

8

Check for a short to ground in the EGR valve 5V reference circuit and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

9

Check for an open in the EGR valve 5V reference circuit and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

10

Replace the EGR valve.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11

Check for a short to ground in the EGR valve signal circuit and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

12

Check for an open in the EGR valve signal circuit and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Check the affected circuit for a poor connection or proper terminal tension at the PCM and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

15

  1. Using the scan tool, clear DTCs.
  2. Start engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

Check if any additional DTCs are set.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK, refer to Diagnostic Aids