OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0478 Pontiac

Exhaust Pressure Control Valve High

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0478 Pontiac definition:
Exhaust Back Pressure Regulator – Is a variable position valve that controls exhaust back pressure during cold ambient temperatures to increase cab heat and decrease the amount of time needed to defrost the windshield. The PCM uses the measured exhaust back pressure, (ambient) intake air temperature, engine oil temperature and engine load to determine the desired exhaust back pressure. Valve position is controlled by switching the output signal circuit to 12 volts inside the PCM. On/off time is modulated from 0 to 99 % dependent upon the exhaust back pressure desired. Upon each initial engine start-up, the PCM exercises the exhaust back pressure valve by commanding it to cycle on and off once. If upon start-up the temperature of intake air sensed by the IAT sensor is < 37¡ãF (5¡ãC) and the oil temperature sensed by the EOT sensor is between 32¡ã-140¡ãF (0-60¡ãC) it will continue to keep the back pressure valve partially closed. As the oil temperature rises during engine operation, the PCM will control the valve in response to the rising oil temperature.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0478 Pontiac
– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0478 Pontiac
– Exhaust Back Pressure Valve The Error code is generally activated on detection of the following conditions: An open or shorted to ground control circuit can be detected by an on demand output circuit check performed during the engine off test. Problems with either the Exhaust Back Pressure Device or the tube between the exhaust manifold and the EBP sensor can be detected during the exhaust back pressure step test, in which the PCM commands and then measures a specific preprogrammed pressure and then measures time for pressure decay during the engine running test. If the PCM detects an EBP, EOT or IAT sensor fault it will disable the exhaust back pressure regulator.

Possible Solutions

Check the Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (EBPV) butterfly valve is opening and closing freely and not sticking. If it seems to move freely you can then check the connector and circuit for the EBPV solenoid.