P040A EGR Temp Sensor A Circuit
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor A Circuit
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that typically applies to OBD-II vehicles. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Mazda, VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Dodge, Ram, etc.
Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
Before the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems were effectively introduced to vehicles in the 1970's, engines were actively wasting unburned fuel and expelling it to the atmosphere. These days on the other hand, a vehicle has to have a certain emission rating in order to proceed with production.
The use of EGR systems has greatly improved emissions by recirculating fresh exhaust coming from the exhaust manifold and/or other parts of the exhaust system and recycling or re-burning it to make sure we are efficiently burning the fuel that we pay for with our hard earned cash!
The function of the EGR temperature sensor is essentially to provide a means for the ECM (Engine Control Module) to monitor the temperature within the EGR system and/or adjust flow accordingly using the EGR valve. It does this easily using a common temperature sensitive resistor-type sensor.
Your OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) scan tool may show P040A and associated codes active when the ECM detects a fault within the EGR temperature sensor or it's circuits. As I mentioned earlier, the system involves the exhaust which is hot, not only that but you are dealing with one of the hottest areas of the vehicle so be aware of where your hands/fingers are even with the engine off for a short period of time.
The code P040A Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor A Circuit is set by the ECM when there is a detected general malfunction in the EGR Temperature Sensor "A" circuit. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual to determine which is the "A" part of the circuit for your particular application.
What is the severity of this DTC?
Severity here varies significantly depends on your particular issue but I wouldn't classify this as severe given the fact that the entire system was introduced to vehicles simply as an emission reduction strategy. That being said exhaust leaks aren't "good" for your vehicle nor are leaking or defective EGR temp sensors so maintenance is the key here, sooner rather then later!
An example of an EGR temperature sensor:
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P040A trouble code may include:
Failed smog or emissions state/provincial test Engine noise (knocking, rattling, pinging, etc.) Louder exhaust Excessive exhaust smellsWhat are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P040A engine code may include:
Defective or damaged EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) temperature sensor EGR temperature sensor gasket leaking Cracked or leaking exhaust pipe in which the sensor is mounted Burnt wiring harness and/or sensor Damaged wire(s) (open, short to power, short to ground, etc.) Damaged connector ECM (Engine Control Module) issue Poor connectionsWhat are some P040A troubleshooting steps?
Basic Step #1
First thing I would do here is check for anything we can see by just visually inspecting the sensor and surrounding EGR system, looking for exhaust leaks in particular. Also check out the sensor and its harness while your in there. Remember what i said about those high temps? They can cause havoc on plastic and rubber insulated wires so inspect them thoroughly.
TIP: Black soot may indicate an exhaust leak around the area.
Basic Step #2
A lot of EGR issues I've seen in the past has been caused by accumulated soot in the exhaust potentially
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