Buick P0404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range/Performance

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0404 Buick

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0404 Buick definition:
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system’s purpose is to redirect exhaust gas back into the cylinders. Since exhaust gas is inert, it displaces oxygen and fuel, thereby lowering cylinder temps, which, in turn, lowers oxides of nitrogen emissions. For that reason it needs to be carefully metered into the cylinders (via the EGR valve) so as not to adversely affect the engine’s performance. (Too much EGR and the engine won’t idle). If you have a P0404 Buick, then the EGR valve is likely an electrically controlled EGR valve instead of a vacuum controlled EGR valve. Also, the valve will usually have a feedback system built into it that informs the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) what position the valve is in; open, closed, or somewhere in between. The PCM needs to know this to determine whether or not the valve is operating as needed. If the PCM determines that the valve should be operating, but the feedback circuit shows that the valve is not open, this code will set. Or if the PCM determines the valve should be closed but the feedback signal indicates that the valve is open, this code will set.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0404 Buick
There may be no symptoms of a P0404 Buick DTC other than the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) or check engine light. However, Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems are inherently problematic due to carbon buildup in the intake manifold, etc. This normal buildup can lodge in an EGR valve, holding it open when it should be closed. If this is the case, the engine may idle rough, or not at all. If the valve has failed and is NOT opening, then symptoms would be higher combustion temps and as a result, higher Nox emissions. But the latter symptoms aren’t going to be noticeable to a driver.

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0404 Buick
Usually this code points to either carbon buildup or a bad EGR valve. However that doesn’t rule out the following: Open or short in the 5 Volt reference circuit Open or short in the ground circuit Open or short in the PCM controlled voltage circuit Bad PCM (less likely)

Possible Solutions

Using a scan tool command the EGR valve to open while watching the actual EGR position (it will probably be labeled “desired EGR” or something similar). The actual EGR position should be very close to the “desired” EGR position. If it is, then the problem is likely intermittent. It may have been a lodged piece of carbon that has since dislodged, or it could be a bad EGR valve winding that intermittently opens or shorts as the valve temperature changes. If the EGR “desired” position is not close to the “actual” position, then unplug the EGR sensor. Check for a good 5 Volt reference voltage to the connector. If it doesn’t show a reference voltage, repair an open or short in the 5 Volt reference circuit. If there is a 5 volt reference voltage, activate the EGR with the scanner, monitor the EGR ground circuit with a DVOM (Digital Volt/Ohm meter). It should indicate a good ground. If it doesn’t then repair the ground circuit. If there is a good ground, then check the control circuit. It should indicate voltage that varies according to the percentage that the EGR is open. As it’s open more, the voltage should increase accordingly. If it does, then replace the EGR valve. If the voltage doesn’t increase incrementally, then repair open or short in EGR control circuit.

Related Codes

p-400 p0401 p0402 p0403


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Buick

2013 Buick Verano Turbo,2013 Buick Riviera Concept,2013 Buick Encore,2013 Buick Enclave,2012 Buick Verano,2012 Buick Regal GS,2011 Buick Regal,2011 Buick LaCrosse GL Concept,2011 Buick GL8,2011 Buick Envision Concept,2010 Buick Regal GS Concept,2010 Buick LaCrosse,2009 Buick Business Concept,2008 Buick Lucerne Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2008 Buick Invicta Concept,2008 Buick Enclave,2007 Buick Riviera Concept Coupe,2006 Buick Terraza,2006 Buick Rendezvous CXL,2006 Buick Rainier CXL,2006 Buick Lucerne CXS,2006 Buick Enclave Concept,2005 Buick Terraza CXL,2005 Buick Royaum,2005 Buick Rendezvous CX,2005 Buick Park Avenue,2005 Buick LeSabre Celebration Edition,2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2005 Buick LaCrosse CSX,2005 Buick Century,2004 Buick Velite Concept,2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra,2004 Buick Regal Abboud GS,2004 Buick Rainier,2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2003 Buick Rendezvous,2003 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2002 Buick Rendezvous,2002 Buick Regal,2002 Buick LeSabre Custom,2001 Buick Regal,2001 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2001 Buick Park Avenue,2001 Buick LeSabre,2001 Buick Blackhawk Concept,2001 Buick 2-2 Bengal Roadster Concept,2000 Buick Regal GNX Show Car,2000 Buick Regal Cielo Concept,2000 Buick Regal,2000 Buick Park Avenue,2000 Buick LeSabre Limited,2000 Buick Century

 

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