P04A1 Exhaust Pressure Control Valve “B” Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Pressure Control Valve "B" Low
What does that mean?
This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic trouble code typically applies to diesel engines, including but not limited to certain Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, Nissan, and VW vehicles.
This code can also apply to those trucks equipped with diesel engines and dealer installed exhaust brakes.
A valve is placed in the exhaust stream after the exhaust manifold to generate heat in the form of back pressure in the exhaust. This heat and/or back pressure can be used to assist in cold start warm up. It can also be used to oppose cylinder pressure coming from the engine cylinders out of the exhaust, thereby slowing the engine down and the vehicle along with it. This is especially useful during towing operations.
This code is strictly concerned about the incoming signal from the exhaust pressure sensor not matching intake manifold pressure or ambient air pressure during normal driving. This can be a mechanical or an electrical circuit fault, depending upon vehicle manufacturer.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of exhaust back pressure control, and wire colors to the control solenoid. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual to determine which is the "B" valve in your particular case.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P04A1 engine code may include:
Potential P04A1 Causes
Typically the causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always a technical service bulletin (TSB) search for your particular vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer may have a PCM flash/reprogram to cover this issue, and it pays to check on this before you find you’ve gone down a long/wrong path. PCM = powertrain control module.
Next, locate the "B" Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid on your particular vehicle. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connectors apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look corroded, burnt or possibly green in color versus the normal metal color you are probably used to seeing. You can get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed. If this is not possible, find some 91% rubbing alcohol and a light plastic bristle brush to clean them with. Afterwards let them air dry, get some dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and put some where the terminals come into contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if this code returns. If it does not, then the connections were most likely your problem.
If the code does return, locate the relay that operates the Exhaust Pressure Control solenoid. This relay may also be called an Exhaust Brake or Engine Brake relay. Once located, swap it with an identical relay that is in the relay/fuse box that you know works. Clear codes and see if this code returns. If it does not, then the relay was most likely your problem.
If the code does return, we will need to test the solenoid and its associated circuits. Typically there are 2 wires at the Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid. First, disconnect the harness going to the Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid. With a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), connect one lead of the meter to one terminal of the solenoid. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other solenoid terminal. It should not be open or shorted. Verify the resistance specifications for your particular vehicle. If the solenoid is either open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the solenoid.
If that’s OK, with a DVOM, check to make sure you have 12V on the Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid power supply circuit (Red lead to the solenoid power supply circuit, black lead to a good ground). Insure ignition is on. If there is no 12 volts to the solenoid, or if there is 12 volts when the ignition is turned off, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the solenoid, or possibly a bad PCM.
If that’s OK, check to make sure you have a good ground at the Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid. Connect a test light to 12V battery positive (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid circuit ground. If the test light does not light up, this would indicate the problem circuit. If it does light up, wiggle the wiring harness going to each sensor to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all tests have passed so far, and you continue to get a P04A1 code, this would most likely indicate a failed Exhaust Pressure Control Solenoid, although a failed PCM could not be ruled out until the solenoid had been replaced.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p04a1 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p04a1 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 p04a1.
