Chevy Impala 2001 w/ 3.8L engine - EGR stuck open

Check out this case study on a Chevy Impala for that P1404 code on a new EGR. I only watch the beginning, (too long for me to sit and watch) but seems to be a communication issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4OnP4U0to

https://www.google.com/search?q=P1404

https://www.google.com/search?q=P0404

..

You use Google to look up the codes,
& solutions & don't use it until properly
diagnosed & resolved

P1404 is EGR valve stuck open. Probably need to replace your electric EGR valve. First, I would remove it and clean the carbon out of it before replacing this expensive part.

i would remove the egr and just the passage to make sure it is not filled with carbon. common problem. here is some info for you as well.

Circuit Description


The linear EGR system consists of a linear EGR valve, the PCM, and its associated wiring. The EGR valve solenoid is controlled directly by the PCM when certain conditions have been met. The PCM contains a diode feedback circuit which dissipates energy when the valve is cycled OFF. When the PCM commands the EGR valve closed, a closed valve position value is learned. If the PCM commands the valve closed and the actual feedback value does not match the learned values, DTC P1404 will set.
Conditions for Setting the DTCImportant: When the PCM recognizes that the parameters for setting DTC P1404 have been set, the diagnostic software waits until the EGR cycles open 50 percent or greater 4 times and then resets. If after the 3 cycles the actual vs learned is not within the parameters, the DTC will be stored and the MIL, service engine soon, will be commanded ON.
Important: When this DTC sets, functions will be disabled. When repairs are complete, codes must be cleared and the ignition keyed OFF for at least 10 seconds to allow proper operation.
DTC P1404 will set when the actual closed value does not match the learned closed value within 20 seconds if:
• RPM is below 5,000 and the actual vs learned is greater than 0.2 volts. OR • RPM is above 5,000 and the actual vs learned is greater than 0.4 volts. Diagnostic Aids • Check for backed out or damaged terminals. • Check for a stuck open EGR pintle. Inspect the EGR pintle valve bore for carbon or debris and remove. Verify that the pintle moves freely and the return spring forces the pintle closed. • An open in circuit 452 will result in DTC P1404. • A short to ground is circuit 697 will result in a severe rough idle and driveability complaint and set a DTC P1404. • Compare the learned closed pintle position to the actual closed pintle position with the key ON and the engine OFF. If voltage differs more than 0.15 volts, check for backed out, damaged, poor terminal tightness, or an intermittent open in circuits 416 or 1456.

yes the egr is a very persnickity part. the code means that the erg is stuck closed. I would replace it.

Good Luck!

P1404 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Closed Position Performance The egr valve is stuck possibly due to carbon buildup. It may be possible to remove the egr valve and clean it with throttle body cleaner or induction cleaner.If the pintle can not be unstuck then the valve egr will probably need replaced.

That code is the EGR. I'd start by checking for a bad connection on the EGR plug-in. Pull the connector off and inspect each individual terminal inside the plug and the connector pins inside the EGR valve.
I found this solution at another forum on this issue. It worked on my 2001 Grand Am:

"Many GM built cars have a tendency to have the 'Check Engine Soon' light come on as a result of DTC code P1404. P1404 is described as EGR valve pintle stuck open, which in most cases is a false alarm. I had this happen with my '01 Grand Am. A little bit surfing on internet reveals that GM has a solution for the problem, a re-flash for the car's computer.

A software re-flash as a fix kind of indicates that the vehicles with this problem were built with it but I don't think GM will be re-flashing cars outside warranty for free. They will want their $100 for it.

Some hands on people I found had purchased a new EGR valve and changed it but the problem remained.

Possible reason (very likely) for the false P1404 code is that the plastic piston of the EGR valve position instrument (LVDT?) wears over time and starts reading a different position at valve closed than what it was when the EGR valve was first installed.

When the car was built and the computer circuits energized for the first time the computer learned the EGR valve closed position signal from the valve position instrument that is built on top of the valve itself. Over time, when the instrument wears, a slightly different signal is sent to the computer and when it differs enough from the 'Valve Closed Signal', that the computer had learned, the trouble code P1404 is set and the 'Service Engine Soon' light comes on.

Replacing the EGR valve with a new one does not necessarily fix this problem because the 'Valve Closed Signal' between valves is slightly different and it is just pure luck if your new valve would give a 'Valve Closed Signal' close enough to your original valve's signal not to set the trouble code. This is why the new EGR valve 'Valve Closed Signal' must be re-learned by the computer.

So, what this all means is that if the P1404 is a false code meaning that the valve pintle is not stuck open, then new 'Valve Closed Signal' can be re-learned by the computer using the old valve.

For fixing this problem the tool you need to have is a simple OBD II code scanner that can be used to erase trouble codes. There are many scanners of different price range on the market. I purchased one from AutoZone for about $90.

A code scanner is a very handy tool to have and I recommend everybody who is just slightly hands on type of a person to get one. It will end up saving a lot of money over time.

The fix goes like this:

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the EGR valve.

2. Turn key ON and erase the trouble code(s) from the car's computer AND TURN KEY OFF IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE SCANNER SAYS CODES HAVE BEEN ERASED. DO NOT TURN KEY ON BEFORE YOU RE-CONNECT EGR WIRE HARNESS.

3. Re-connect EGR wire harness and your problem should be fixed.

I learned this fix from OBDII.COM where carfixer and kozloski discussed it and I think kozloski was the one who provided the solution, so thanks to them.

There was also other people stating that this fix really works. Now I have joined this group of people as I got mine fixed using this trick also.

I believe erasing codes with wire harness disconnected and turning the key OFF right after P1404 code has been erased re-sets the 'Valve Close Position' reading in the computer and triggers computer to re-learn position next time the key is turned ON.

If you don't have an OBD II scanner and don't want to buy one some car part stores may erase the code for free, but if you have it done there you must tell them about turning the key OFF at the right moment. Other wise the re-learn process does not take place.

EGR valve pintle stuck open, which in most cases is a false alarm. But as a precaution just replace the EGR valve

I found an answer that worked for me here. (I have a 2001 Chevy Venture.) http://www.fixya.com/cars/t4093012-code_p1404_dodge_ram_1500_meanIn case links are not allowed, here's the text:That code is the EGR. I'd start by checking for a bad connection on the EGR plug-in. Pull the connector off and inspect each individual terminal inside the plug and the connector pins inside the EGR valve.
I found this solution at another forum on this issue. It worked on my 2001 Grand Am:

"Many GM built cars have a tendency to have the 'Check Engine Soon' light come on as a result of DTC code P1404. P1404 is described as EGR valve pintle stuck open, which in most cases is a false alarm. I had this happen with my '01 Grand Am. A little bit surfing on internet reveals that GM has a solution for the problem, a re-flash for the car's computer.

A software re-flash as a fix kind of indicates that the vehicles with this problem were built with it but I don't think GM will be re-flashing cars outside warranty for free. They will want their $100 for it.

Some hands on people I found had purchased a new EGR valve and changed it but the problem remained.

Possible reason (very likely) for the false P1404 code is that the plastic piston of the EGR valve position instrument (LVDT?) wears over time and starts reading a different position at valve closed than what it was when the EGR valve was first installed.

When the car was built and the computer circuits energized for the first time the computer learned the EGR valve closed position signal from the valve position instrument that is built on top of the valve itself. Over time, when the instrument wears, a slightly different signal is sent to the computer and when it differs enough from the 'Valve Closed Signal', that the computer had learned, the trouble code P1404 is set and the 'Service Engine Soon' light comes on.

Replacing the EGR valve with a new one does not necessarily fix this problem because the 'Valve Closed Signal' between valves is slightly different and it is just pure luck if your new valve would give a 'Valve Closed Signal' close enough to your original valve's signal not to set the trouble code. This is why the new EGR valve 'Valve Closed Signal' must be re-learned by the computer.

So, what this all means is that if the P1404 is a false code meaning that the valve pintle is not stuck open, then new 'Valve Closed Signal' can be re-learned by the computer using the old valve.

For fixing this problem the tool you need to have is a simple OBD II code scanner that can be used to erase trouble codes. There are many scanners of different price range on the market. I purchased one from AutoZone for about $90.

A code scanner is a very handy tool to have and I recommend everybody who is just slightly hands on type of a person to get one. It will end up saving a lot of money over time.

The fix goes like this:

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the EGR valve.

2. Turn key ON and erase the trouble code(s) from the car's computer AND TURN KEY OFF IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE SCANNER SAYS CODES HAVE BEEN ERASED. DO NOT TURN KEY ON BEFORE YOU RE-CONNECT EGR WIRE HARNESS.

3. Re-connect EGR wire harness and your problem should be fixed.