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Home >> Buick >> 2002 >> Century Custom >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System Self-Diagnostics - 3.1L Engine >> Diagnostic Tests >> DTC P0401: EGR System >> Circuit Description

Circuit Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) tests the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system during deceleration by momentarily commanding the EGR valve to open while monitoring the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor signal. When the EGR valve is opened, the PCM should see a proportional increase in MAP. If the expected increase in MAP is not seen, the PCM notes the amount of error that was detected and adjusts an internal fail counter towards a fail threshold level. When the fail counter exceeds the fail threshold level, the PCM will set this DTC. The number of test samples required to accomplish this may vary according to the amount of detected flow error.

Normally, the PCM will only allow 1 EGR flow test sample to be taken during an ignition cycle. In order to aid in verifying a repair, the PCM allows 12 test samples during the first ignition cycle following a scan tool Clear Info or a battery disconnect. Between 9-12 samples should be sufficient for the PCM to determine adequate EGR flow and pass the EGR test.