P0405 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Last Updated on June 17, 2022

During the 1970s, a revolution of sorts took place within the automotive industry. Newly implemented emissions standards of the day placed increasing pressure upon US automakers to reduce their carbon footprint. However, accomplishing this proved quite difficult, and ultimately necessitated the introduction of new emissions control devices.

While outwardly robust by design, these new components all proved susceptible to eventual failure at the hands of age and natural wear/tear. Luckily, the bulk of such failures is recognized and recorded by a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system, in the form of an active diagnostic trouble code.

Of these emissions-related diagnostic trouble codes, few are as common as DTC P0405. This fault code describes an underlying issue with a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation sensor circuit. More specifically, this code is indicative of a fault within the EGR sensor A circuit, which ultimately impacts a vehicle’s exhaust output.

Read on to learn more about diagnostic trouble code P0405, as well as how to handle such issues, should they arise in the future.

What Does Code P0405 Mean?

Diagnostic trouble code P0405 is indicative of a fault within a vehicle’s EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) sensor A circuit. To be more precise, this code corresponds to the presence of low feedback voltage from the EGR position sensor itself.

To better understand this condition, one must first familiarize themselves with basic EGR valve operation.

Today’s vehicles feature an EGR valve, which recirculates exhaust gasses into an engine’s combustion chambers under certain operating conditions. This valve is PCM controlled and is capable of opening and closing upon demand.

This prevents the reintroduction of exhaust gasses into an engine during less than ideal times, such as at start-up. The exact position of the EGR valve is relayed to the PCM via a specified signal voltage.

In the case of diagnostic trouble code P0405, the vehicle in question’s PCM has determined that the EGR position sensor feedback voltage is below its anticipated threshold. This, in turn, leads to the storage of a P0405 fault code, and the illumination of a vehicle’s check engine light.

See Also: P0400, P0401, P0402, P0403, P0404

Symptoms of Code P0405

It is not uncommon for a vehicle to exhibit a check engine light, and P0405 fault code, without the presence of any additional symptoms. However, this is not the case in every situation, as certain cars, trucks, and SUVs do exhibit one or more driveability-related symptoms, in conjunction with DTC P0405.

The following are several of the most common symptoms associated with DTC P0405.

• Check engine light
• Reduced engine power
• Lowered fuel economy
• Engine pinging under acceleration

Causes of Code P0405

Diagnostic trouble code P0405 can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, some of which are more severe in nature than others. Understanding each of these possible causes can prove valuable when attempting to diagnose and repair such a fault condition.

The following are several of the most common causes of diagnostic trouble code P0405.

• Faulty or carbon-fouled EGR valve
• Short to power/ground in one or more EGR circuits
• PCM calibration-related issues
• Inoperable EGR position sensor
• Lack of EGR vacuum
• Faulty DPFE sensor

Is Code P0405 Serious?

In the majority of cases, diagnostic trouble code P0405 is viewed as being moderately serious in nature. In certain instances, the presence of this fault can cause one or more driveability-related issues, such as a reduction in engine power or stalling. This proves to be not only a hindrance in terms of convenience but also a potential safety issue as well.

Additionally, the presence of a P0405 diagnostic trouble code will prove problematic in states, counties, or provinces that require regular emissions testing. A code of this nature itself generally disqualifies a vehicle during such testing and leads to an overall increase in noxious exhaust output.

In any event, the root cause of diagnostic trouble code P0405 should be diagnosed and repaired at the first available opportunity. Doing so will prevent further issues in the future, and ensure that your vehicle is operating at peak performance.

If you do not feel comfortable handling such repairs yourself, you should contact a local mechanic or service center at your earliest convenience.

How to Fix Code P0405

The following steps will assist you in diagnosing and remedying the root cause of your vehicle’s P0405 diagnostic trouble code. As always, be sure to consult a factory-specific service manual for your particular model of vehicle, before tackling any such repairs.

#1 – Check For Additional DTCs

Before beginning the diagnostic process, be sure to check for the presence of additional diagnostic trouble codes. Any codes that are uncovered should be thoroughly diagnosed and remedied before proceeding to step #2.

#2 – Visually Inspect EGR Valve

Begin by performing a thorough visual inspection of your vehicle’s EGR valve, and related wiring pigtail. Check to ensure that all wires are in satisfactory condition and that the EGR valve’s wiring connector is firmly latched in place.

Alternatively, if the vehicle in question features a vacuum-actuated EGR valve, inspect all connecting vacuum hoses for signs of deterioration. Make any necessary repairs.

#3 – Command EGR Valve Open

With the use of a bi-directional scan tool, command your vehicle’s EGR valve to the “open” position. This should be reflected by a fluctuation in the engine’s EGR position sensor reading.

In the “open” position, this sensor should read 100%. If no change in EGR position is noted, continue to step #4.

#4 – Check Reference Circuit Voltage

With the use of a multimeter, check for the presence of 5-volts at the EGR valve’s reference wire with the vehicle’s ignition in the “on” position.

If 5-volts is not observed, check to see if the circuit in question is shorted-to-ground or open. If so, repair the underlying fault and retest.

#5 – Jump Reference Voltage

With 5-volts present on the EGR circuit’s reference wire, jump this voltage to the signal wire of the same affected circuit. The EGR position sensor should now provide a 100% reading.

If this is not the case, check for the presence of a ground or “open” condition within the EGR valve’s signal circuit. Repair all deficiencies that are uncovered. However, a satisfactory reading during this test will necessitate EGR valve replacement.