Circuit Description
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is used in order to lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission levels. The EGR system accomplishes this by recirculating small amounts of exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber. High combustion temperatures cause NOx. Combustion temperatures are reduced when the air and fuel mixture is diluted with the exhaust gases.
The EGR valve is designed to accurately supply exhaust gases to the engine without the use of intake manifold vacuum. The EGR valve controls the exhaust flow into the intake manifold from the exhaust manifold through an orifice with a powertrain control module (PCM) controlled pintle. The PCM controls the pintle position using inputs from the throttle position (TP) sensor, the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. The PCM commands the EGR valve in order to supply the correct amount of exhaust gas recirculation for the current engine operating conditions. This can be monitored on a scan tool as the desired EGR position.
The PCM monitors the position of the EGR valve through a feedback signal. The PCM supplies a 5 volt reference circuit and a ground circuit to the EGR valve. A voltage signal representing the EGR valve pintle position is sent to the PCM from the EGR valve. 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 be near the desired EGR position.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition voltage is more than 11.7 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The EGR feedback signal voltage is less than 0.14 volts. |
| • | All conditions are present for 0.1 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
Due to the moisture associated with exhaust systems, the EGR valve may freeze and stick in colder weather. After the vehicle is brought into a warm shop for repairs, the valve warms and the problem disappears. By watching the actual EGR position and the desired EGR position on a cold engine with a scan tool, the fault can be verified easily. View the Freeze Frame data to determine if the DTC set when the vehicle was cold by viewing the ECT.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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This step determines if the malfunction is present.
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Using the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition.
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If the scan tool displays 5 volts, the EGR pintle position signal, the 5 volt reference circuit, and the PCM are OK. For any test that requires probing the PCM or component harness connectors, use the connector test adapter kit . Using this kit prevents any damage to the harness connector terminals.
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If the scan tool displays 5 volts, the EGR pintle position signal circuit and the PCM are OK. For any test that requires probing the PCM or component harness connectors, use the J 35616 connector test adapter kit . Using this kit will prevent any damage to the harness connector terminals.
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Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to test the continuity of the circuits. This aids in locating an open or a shorted circuit.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||||||||
Did DTC P1635 fail this ignition cycle? | -- | |||||||||
Monitor the EGR pintle position voltage on Engine 1 Data List on the scan tool. Is the EGR pintle position voltage below the specified value? | 0.14 V | |||||||||
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||
Is the EGR pintle position voltage near the specified value? | 5 V | |||||||||
Is the voltage near the specified value? | 5 V | |||||||||
Did you find the 5 volt reference circuit open or shorted? | -- | |||||||||
8 |
Did the terminal require replacement? | -- | ||||||||
9 |
Did you find the EGR pintle position signal circuit open or shorted to a ground? | -- | ||||||||
10 |
Did the terminal require replacement? | -- | ||||||||
11 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
12 | Replace the EGR valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
13 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
14 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? | -- | ||||||||
15 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
