GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) vacuum sensor is used to monitor the amount of vacuum that is available to the EGR valve. A low reference circuit, 5 volt reference circuit and a vacuum sensor signal circuit are used to interface the ECM with the EGR vacuum sensor. If the EGR vacuum sensor signal voltage is pulled below a calibrated value, DTC P0405 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0101, P0489, or P1639 are not set.
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The Ignition 1 Signal parameter is between 11-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The EGR Vacuum Sensor parameter is less than 19 kPa.
    • The above conditions are met for more than 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Observe the EGR Vacuum Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the EGR Vacuum Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

18 kPa

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the EGR vacuum sensor.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the EGR vacuum sensor and the EGR vacuum sensor signal circuit.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Observe the EGR Vacuum Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Does the vacuum measure more than the specified value?

158 kPa

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the EGR vacuum sensor for a short to ground, high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Test the EGR vacuum sensor signal circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the EGR vacuum sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the EGR vacuum sensor. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Vacuum Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 11

11

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK