P0405: How to Diagnose & Fix — Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'A' Circuit Low
4 vehicles · 4 makes · $50-$2,800 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0405: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
GMC Sierra 3500HD · 2008–2016
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler on 6.6L Duramax LMM and LML engines is prone to internal cracking, allowing coolant to enter the EGR system and combustion chamber. Owners experience white steam from the exhaust, unexplained coolant loss, and in severe cases hydrolocking. This is a well-documented failure mode covered under extended warranty campaigns and referenced in NHTSA complaint database for 2008–2016 model years.
Common Symptoms
- White or grey smoke from exhaust at idle or under load
- Unexplained coolant loss without visible external leak
- Coolant smell from exhaust or air intake
- Engine overheating or coolant temperature fluctuations
- Milky residue in coolant reservoir or degas bottle
How to Fix
Replace EGR cooler assembly (GM part 98010538 for LML, or ACDelco 12642878 for LMM) and thoroughly flush cooling system. Inspect EGR valve for carbon buildup and replace if necessary. Upgraded aftermarket EGR coolers (Fleece Performance, BorgWarner) offer improved durability. Labor is 4–8 hours; coolant flush and fill required.
Sources for this issue (1)
Ford F-150 · 1997–2004
The Delta Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor and the EGR throttle-body spacer passages are a chronic Check-Engine source on 1997-2004 4.2L/4.6L/5.4L trucks. The ceramic DPFE sensor drifts or cracks, and the narrow 90-degree EGR elbow passages carbon up until flow is blocked, setting P0401 (insufficient EGR flow). The result is a rough idle, stumble or stall when coming to a stop, hesitation, and reduced fuel economy. It is frequently misdiagnosed as the EGR valve itself.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light with P0401/P0402
- Rough idle and stumble at stops
- Stalling when decelerating to a stop
- Hesitation on light acceleration
- Reduced fuel economy
How to Fix
Test the DPFE sensor voltage and manually apply vacuum to the EGR valve at idle to confirm the valve/passages are clear. Replace the DPFE sensor (inexpensive, ~15-minute job) and clean the carbon-clogged EGR tube/throttle-body spacer passages. Replace cracked vacuum lines and the EGR valve only if proven faulty.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- DPFE / EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor (bolt-mount design)OEMF77Z-9J460-AB (Motorcraft DPFE-15)Cross-refStandard Motor Products VP8, Standard Motor Products VP8T, Wells 5S2049$25–$65
Motorcraft DPFE-15 (Ford F77Z-9J460-AB) is the updated Motorola 1.0-volt silicon design that supersedes the original ceramic sensor, and RockAuto lists it for every engine
- DPFE / EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor (clip-mount design)Cross-refStandard Motor Products VP17, Wells 5S2047, NTK EA0008$22–$32
RockAuto explicitly splits these listings by mounting and by engine VIN: Wells 5S2047 and NTK EA0008 are called out as 'Engine VIN W; clip mount' on the 4.6L, while 5S2049/EA0009 are 'Engine VIN 6 or VIN W; bolt mount'.
Sources for this issue (1)
Opel Astra · 2009–2015
The A17DTR/A17DTS 1.7 CDTI diesel in Astra J (2009-2015), Mokka A, and Meriva B suffers severe EGR valve carbon buildup, typically presenting between 80,000-150,000 km. Symptoms include power loss, limp mode, and rough idle. The EGR cooler can also crack, mixing coolant with intake flow.
Common Symptoms
- power loss
- limp mode
- rough idle
- EML warning
- black smoke
How to Fix
EGR valve clean or replacement (€400-€800 incl. labor). EGR delete is common but illegal in most markets and fails TÜV / MOT emissions tests. Walnut blasting helps the intake manifold simultaneously.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Vauxhall/Opel 97376663 / 95523829 EGR valve
Astra J 1.7 CDTI A17DTR/A17DTS among the seller's listed engine codes; verify VIN/engine code and whether adaptation is required.
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Chrysler PT Cruiser · 2001–2010
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P0405 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0405 mean?
P0405 stands for "Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'A' Circuit Low." P0405 is a generic OBD-II code meaning the engine computer detected an abnormally low voltage signal from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) sensor 'A' circuit. This sensor reports the EGR valve's position or flow, which the computer uses to control exhaust gas recirculation for lowering emissions and combustion temperatures. A low signal indicates the reading is below the expected range, often due to a wiring or sensor fault. It mainly affects emissions and may cause light drivability issues but is not an immediate safety concern.
What are the most common causes of P0405?
The most common causes of P0405 are: Faulty EGR position sensor (or DPFE sensor), Open, shorted, or corroded EGR sensor wiring/connector, EGR valve stuck or carbon-clogged, Loss of reference voltage or ground to the sensor, Poor connector contact / pin corrosion, Damaged EGR valve assembly, PCM fault (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0405?
Repair costs for P0405 range from $50 to $2,800, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0405?
Au7o has documented P0405 across 4 vehicle models from 4 manufacturers: Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Opel.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.