GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is controlled by the engine control module (ECM) through the EGR motor high control and the EGR motor low control circuits. The ECM supplies voltage that is near ignition voltage to the high and low control circuits at all times. The ECM will pulse width modulation (PWM) the low control circuit to ground when EGR is desired. The lower the pulse width, the more the valve will open. The ECM will PWM the high control circuit to ground when the EGR valve is desired closed. If the ECM detects an electrical malfunction on the control circuits, DTC P0403 will set.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0403 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Solenoid Control Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running for more than 0.5 seconds.
    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 0-150.75°C (32-303.35°F).
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 57-99.75°C (134.6-211.6°F).
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 72 kPa.
    • The EGR valve is commanded open.
    • This diagnostic runs continuously while the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects an electrical malfunction on an EGR motor control circuit.
    • The above condition is present for more than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

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

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine 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. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  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 cycle?

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  2. Disconnect the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
  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 DTC P0403 fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Important: The low control circuit of the EGR valve normally has near ignition voltage present. Test the low control circuit for a short to all other voltage circuits from the engine control module (ECM).

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections 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 9

Go to Step 7

6

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections at the ECM. 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 9

Go to Step 8

7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  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 10

Go to Step 2

10

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