P0489 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System “A” - Circuit Low
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OBD-II Trouble Code - P0489 - Data Sheet
Low signal level in the control circuit of the exhaust gas recirculation "A".
Code P0489 is a generic powertrain code related to additional emissions control. If this code is stored, it means the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) "A" control circuit is reporting a low flow voltage.
Codes related to P0489 include:
- P0405: Low signal in the circuit of the sensor of recirculation of exhaust gases "A"
- P0406: High signal level in the circuit of the sensor of recirculation of exhaust gases "A"
- P0409: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit
- P0487: EGR Throttle Position Control Circuit
- P0488: EGR Throttle Position Control Range/Performance
- P0490: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit High
- P2413: EGR system performance
What does trouble code P0489 mean?
This is a generic transmission code which means it covers all makes / models from 1996 onwards. However, specific troubleshooting steps may differ from vehicle to vehicle.
These engine trouble codes refer to a malfunction in the exhaust gas recirculation system. More specifically, the electrical aspect. The exhaust gas recirculation system is an integral part of the vehicle exhaust system, the function of which is to prevent the formation of harmful NOx (nitrogen oxides) in the cylinders.
EGR is controlled by the engine management computer. The computer opens or closes the exhaust gas recirculation depending on load, speed and temperature in order to maintain the correct cylinder head temperature. There are two wires to the electrical solenoid on the EGR that the computer uses to activate it. The potentiometer is also located in the exhaust gas recirculation solenoid, which signals the position of the EGR rod (the operating mechanism that opens and closes the duct).
This is a lot like dimming the lights in your home. When you turn the switch, the light becomes brighter as the voltage increases. Your engine computer does not see any voltage change when it tries to open or close the EGR, indicating that it is stuck in one position. Codes P0489 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit "A" means no low voltage change, indicating that EGR is opening or closing. P0490 is basically identical, but that means the loop is high, not low.
Unleaded fuel tends to form NOx at extreme engine cylinder temperatures. The EGR system directs a controlled amount of exhaust gas back to the intake manifold. The goal is to dilute the incoming fuel mixture sufficiently to bring the cylinder head temperature below that at which NOx is formed.
The operation of the EGR system is important for more reasons than NOx prevention - it provides more accurate timing for more power without knocking, and a leaner fuel mixture for better fuel economy.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on the position of the EGR needle at the time of failure.
- Extremely rough running engine
- Check engine light is on
- Falling fuel economy
- Decrease in power
- No start or very difficult to start followed by a sharp idle
- Warning or check engine light may come on
- Engine may run rough or rough at idle
- Reduced overall vehicle fuel economy
- Vehicle power drop
- The car may be difficult to start or not start at all.
- Vehicle exhaust may be darker black.
- The vehicle may not show any symptoms at all other than a stored code.
Possible Causes P0489
Reasons for this DTC may include:
- Short circuit to ground
- Short circuit to battery voltage
- Bad connector with pushed out pins
- Corrosion in the connector
- Dirty EGR needle
- Faulty exhaust gas recirculation solenoid
- Bad EGR
- Defective ECU or computer
- Damaged, faulty, or corroded wiring or connectors
- Possible short to ground
- Possible short circuit to battery voltage
- Clogged EGR channels
- Clogged channels of the DPFE sensor
- Damaged or faulty EGR system
- Damaged or defective EGR valve
- Damaged or defective EGR valve gasket
- Damaged or defective EGR control solenoid
- Damaged or defective EGR line
- Clogged MAP/MAF sensor
- Damaged or broken vacuum line/hose
Repair procedures
If your vehicle has less than 100,000 miles, it is recommended that you review your warranty. Most vehicles are guaranteed 100,000 or 150-200 thousand miles for emissions control. Second, go online and check all relevant TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to these codes and their repair.
To perform these diagnostic procedures, you will need the following tools:
- Volt / Ohmmeter
- Exhaust gas recirculation connection diagram
- Jumper
- Two paper clips or sewing needles
Open the hood and start the engine. If the engine does not idle well, remove the plug from the EGR system. If the engine smooths, the pin gets stuck in the EGR. Stop the engine and replace the EGR.
Look at the wire connector on the EGR. There are 5 wires, the outer two wires feed the battery voltage and ground. The three center wires are a potentiometer that signals to the computer the amount of EGR flow. The center terminal is the 5V reference terminal.
Thoroughly inspect the connector for knocked out pins, corrosion, or bent pins. Inspect the wiring harness carefully for any insulation or possible short circuits. Look for open wires that could open the circuit.
- Use a voltmeter to test any terminal lead with the red wire and ground the black wire. Turn on the key and find 12 volts and both end terminals.
- If the voltage is not displayed, then there is an open wire between the EGR system and the ignition bus. If 12 volts is displayed on one side only, the EGR system has an internal open circuit. Replace EGR.
- Disconnect the connector from the exhaust gas recirculation system and with the key on and the engine off, check both external contacts for power. Write down which one has 12 volts and replace the connector.
- Place a paper clip on the terminal lug that was not powered, this is the ground lug. Attach a jumper to a paperclip. Ground the jumper. A “click” will be heard when the EGR is activated. Disconnect the ground wire and start the engine. Ground the wire again and this time the engine will run rough when the EGR is energized and flatten when ground is removed.
- If the EGR system is activated and the engine starts to work intermittently, then the EGR system is in order, the problem is electrical. If not, stop the engine and replace the EGR.
- Check the center terminal of the exhaust gas recirculation connector. Turn on the key. If the computer is working properly, 5.0 volts is displayed. Turn off the key.
- Refer to the EGR wiring diagram and locate the EGR voltage reference terminal on the computer. Insert a pin or paper clip into the connector on the computer at this point to check the contact back.
- Turn on the key. If 5 volts is present, the computer is OK and the problem is in the wiring harness to the EGR system. If there is no voltage, then the computer is faulty.
Advice for repairing the exhaust gas recirculation circuit without replacing the computer: Look at the wiring diagram and locate the coolant temperature reference voltage terminal. Check this terminal with the included key. If the 5 volt ref. Voltage is present, turn off the key and mark the two support terminals used in these tests. Pull out the computer connector, solder a jumper wire between these two pins. Install the connector and the EGR system will work normally without replacing the computer.
Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P0489
The EGR valve is an expensive replacement component, and often when a P0489 code appears, many quickly replace it rather than fully diagnose the problem, which could simply be damaged wiring or a burnt gasket.
How serious is the P0489 code?
Since the safe driving of the vehicle should not be affected by faults that store the P0489 code, but the vehicle can produce more harmful emissions, this code is considered a potentially serious code. When this code appears, it is recommended to immediately take the car to a local service center or mechanic for repair and diagnosis.
What repairs can fix code P0489?
Several repairs can fix the P0489 trouble code and include:
- Repair or replace damaged or loose wiring, connectors, and harnesses.
- Repair or replace any damaged or broken and leaking vacuum hoses and lines.
- Repair or replace damaged or defective EGR control solenoid.
- Carbon clearing clogged EGR passages
- Clear all codes, test the vehicle and rescan to see if any codes reappear.
- Replace damaged or defective EGR valve
Need more help with your p0489 code?
If you still need help with DTC P0489, post a question in the comments below this article.
NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.
