Technical Definition:

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Control Circuit

Technical Description:

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is controlled by a vacuum solenoid. The solenoid is supplied ignition voltage. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the vacuum solenoid by grounding the control circuit(ground) or driver

Possible Causes:

• Bad EGR solenoid
• Excessive resistance in control circuit (PCM controlled ground) due to an open, chafing or damage to the harness
• Poor connection at the EGR solenoid harness (worn or loose pins)
• Water intrusion at the EGR solenoid harness
• Blockage in EGR control solenoid holding solenoid open or closed causing excessive resistance
• Loss of supply voltage to EGR solenoid
• Bad PCM

Possible Symptoms:

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Malfunction

Possible Solutions:

With the ignition on and engine off, use a scan tool to activate the EGR solenoid. Listen or feel for a clicking, indicating that the solenoid is operating.

If the solenoid does operate, you’ll have to check current draw on the ground circuit. It should be less than one amp. If it is then the problem is intermittent. If it isn’t then there is excessive resistance in the circuit and perform the following

• When it’s activated see if you can blow lightly through it. IF you can’t there may be a blockage causing excessive resistance. Replace EGR solenoid as needed. If there is no blockage, disconnect the EGR solenoid and the PCM connector containing the EGR solenoid control circuit. Using a digital Volt-Ohm meter (DVOM) check resistence between the control circuit and battery ground. It should be infinite. If it isn’t, then there is a short to ground on the control circuit. Repair the short to ground and retest as needed.
• If the solenoid doesn’t click as it should, disconnect the EGR solenoid connector and connect a test light between the two wires. Using the scan tool, command the EGR solenoid on. The light should light up. If it does, replace the EGR solenoid. If it does not perform the following: a. Check for 12 Volts on the ignition supply voltage to the solenoid. If it isn’t present, inspect the supply circuit for an open, or a short due to chafing or breakage and re-test. b. If it still doesn’t operate: then manually ground the EGR solenoid control circuit. The light should light. If it does, repair open in EGR solenoid control circuit and re-test. If it doesn’t, replace EGR solenoid.

OBD-II Trouble Code Type:

Diagnostic Step:

Tech Notes:

– Faulty EGR volume control solenoid valve
– EGR volume control solenoid valve harness is open or shorted
– EGR volume control solenoid valve circuit poor electrical connection
– EGR temperature sensor and circuit

Specific Makes:

– Possible engine hesitation