Code 0403

[FORMONTOYA]

I received a PM concerning code 0403 that required pictures, which are not available in the current PM system....question as follows:

Hey Jim-


I have a question that I didn't think meritted a new thread. I obviously used the wonderful Search option Chris has given us, but came up with little. I now (finally) have a datalogger that allows me to read the code.

As you can see by using the Wayback Machine to access the code list on darklightning's old website, the code refers to an "Open or shorted condition detected in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid".

Now, I have already taken the EGR completely out and examined it. I have taken the air gun to it, and have used the 'ol backyard mechanic's "quick method" of checking the pump (putting my mouth on the valve and sucking, making me my very own vacuum pump ). It seems to be working fine. However, the code still comes on.

I have also disconnected the battery several times (even up to a couple hours) and still after about 10-15 miles later the CEL will pop up again.

I normally wouldn't be worried about it, but I really need to get my registration sticker put on. They already slapped on an "R" sticker, so this needs to get done quickly.

If you perhaps noticed, I wrote up my very own EGR install guide in the Tech section. I had no problems with the CEL coming on when I installed the block-off plate. A long story short, I have taken the block-off plate out and the CEL doesn't want to stay off.

The only other possibility that I can come up with is that one of the two EGR hoses are filled with carbon deposits, and I need to replace it or clean it out.

What do you suggest?


Take care and thanks in advance
Anthony

I would check the resistance in the EGR coil to confirm it's correct, if so...I would look at the harness.

A couple of pictures:


EGR coil resistance:

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0403 code issue:

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0403 troubleshooting:

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EGR solenoid location:

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[DSMunknown]

Well, I fought with this bi*** for about 6 months. I finally fixed it.

As I had told Jim, I had tried just about everything to rid myself of this code. Before I go on, I should probably mention that I had this problem in the early spring, and did not have a PocketLOGGER at this time. Here are the things I did (as best I can recall them, that pertained to the EGR valve) to work through the issue by myself (these are not in order):

• Took out the EGR block-off plate (no code was thrown after plate was originally installed)
• Bought a new OEM EGR solenoid
• Checked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked all vacuum lines
• Took the air gun to the IM and EGR valve
• Reset the system multiple times (aka unhooking the battery). Every time I did this, the code would reappear after I started up the car the second time.
• Fiddling with the eletrical connection to the EGR solenoid
• As you can see in the above link, I sent my ECU to FFWD for a full diagnosis

Some of you may ask "Why didn't you take Jim's (and the OEM manual's) advice and purchase a vacuum pump?" I would tell you to look at the price tag. I wasn't about to spend close to 100 bucks for something I would probably use a few times total.

Finally I took the car to ESP (a trusted local shop) to have them diagnose the problem. It took two appointments for them to try out everything. They finally told me everything was pointing to one piece of equipment.

Long story short, it was the ECU. According to the PocketLOGGER, this was the only code that came up. I don't know why this was the only code, but as soon as I replaced my original ECU with a direct replacement ECU, the code went away.