P044E Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor “C” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "C" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which means it covers all makes/models, 1996-newer. However, specific troubleshooting steps will vary depending on the vehicle.
On board diagnostics (OBD) trouble code P044E is a generic trouble code relating to an intermittent or erratic problem incurred in the "C" electrical circuit to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
The purpose of the EGR valve is to introduce a regulated amount of exhaust gas into the intake manifold. The purpose is to maintain cylinder head temperatures below 2500-degrees F. Nitrates of Oxygen (Nox) form when temperatures rise above 2500-degrees F. Nox is responsible for smog and atmospheric pollution.
The controlling computer, either the powertrain control module (PCM) or the electronic control module (ECM) has detected an abnormally low, high or non-existent signal voltage. Refer to a manufacturer specific repair guide to determine which is the "C" sensor in your exact vehicle.
EGR Operating Principals
The trouble code P044E refers to the same problem on all vehicles, however, there are many types of EGRs, sensors and methods of activation. The only similarity is that they all vent exhaust gas into the intake manifold to cool the cylinder head temperatures.
Introducing spent exhaust gas into the engine at the wrong time reduces horsepower and causes a rough idle or stall. With this in mind, computer programming only opens the EGR when the engine RPM is above 2000 and to close when under a load.
Related EGR sensor "C" trouble codes:
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the position of the EGR pintle at the time of failure.
Potential Causes
Repair Procedures
All EGR valves have one thing in common-they re-circulate exhaust from the exhaust to the intake manifold. Other than that, they differ in their methods for regulating the opening of the pintle and sensing its position.
The following repair procedures represent the most common problems accounting for the majority of failures in the EGR system. Wiring harness or sensor failures require a service manual to determine the proper wire identification and diagnostic procedures.
Keep in mind that the wiring differs between manufacturers and computers do not react well if the wrong wire is probed. If you probe the wrong wire and send excessive voltage through the computer’s sensor input terminal and the computer will fry.
At the same time, if the wrong connector is disconnected the computer could lose its programming causing the vehicle to fail to start again until the dealer reprograms the computer.
If the most common tests failed to solve the problem, a service manual is needed to continue to test the wiring circuits. The best solution is to take the vehicle to a service facility with the proper diagnostic equipment. They can quickly identify and repair this type of problem.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p044e in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p044e and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p044e.