P042E Exhaust Gas Recirculation A Control Stuck Open
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Gas Recirculation A Control Stuck Open
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to OBD-II vehicles. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet / GM / Cummins, Dodge / Ram, Isuzu, Pontiac, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
If your vehicle has stored a code P042E, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve control system.
In the case of the P042E, the valve appears (to the PCM) to be stuck in the open position. The designation A applies to a particular position or stage of the step-down EGR valve control system, which is explained below.
The EGR system is responsible for allowing the engine to consume a portion of the unburned fuel from the exhaust system. The EGR system is necessary to reduce harmful levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) created as a side effect of gasoline and diesel engine operation.
The focal point of the EGR system is an electronically controlled (EGR) valve which opens to allow exhaust gases to re-enter the engine intake. The PCM uses input signals from the throttle position sensor (TPS), vehicle speed sensor (VSS), and the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), to determine when conditions are right to open/close the EGR valve.
Vehicles which exhibit this type of code are equipped with a step-down EGR valve. The step-down EGR valve operates in stages according to the degree which the throttle is opened, how much load is placed on the engine, and how fast the vehicle is moving.
In some models, the position of the EGR valve plunger is also monitored by the PCM. If the desired position of the EGR valve (as commanded by the PCM) is different from the actual position, a code P042E will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated. Most vehicles will require multiple ignition cycles (with a failure) before MIL illumination will occur.
Photo of exhaust gas recirculation EGR valve:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The conditions which lead to a stored code P042E may also result in serious drivability issues. For this reason, a code P042E should be addressed with urgency.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P042E EGR trouble code may include:
Rough engine idle Diminished fuel efficiency Excessively lean exhaust Other drivability codes may be storedWhat are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P042E code may include:
Defective EGR valve EGR valve plunger clogged by carbon or other debris EGR control solenoid/valve is bad Open or shorted wiring/connectors in the EGR A control circuit Faulty DPFE sensor Bad EGR valve position sensor PCM malfunction or PCM programming errorWhat are some P042E troubleshooting steps?
A diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter, and a reliable vehicle information source are among the tools required to diagnose a code P042E.
Visual inspection of all EGR system related wiring and connectors is an ideal precursor to diagnosing a code P042E. Repair or replace any corroded or burned components as required.
Continue by connecting the scanner to the diagnostic port and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data. Write all this down as it will prove helpful if the P042E is an intermittent code. Now, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.
If the code is reset, connect the scanner and observe the data stream. Check the desired EGR position (typically measured in percentage) and actual EGR position as reflected on the data stream display. Within a matter of mil
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