Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The circuit “A” of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Throttle Control is open.
What does that signify?
This generic trouble code is typically applicable to diesel engines manufactured after 2004, including certain Ford, Dodge, GM, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and VW vehicles.
The EGR throttle control valve is positioned between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Its purpose is to create a small vacuum that draws exhaust gases into the intake manifold.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) instructs the EGR throttle control valve on its positioning. This code examines the voltage signals from the valve to determine their accuracy based on inputs to the PCM. It indicates an electrical circuit malfunction.
The troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of EGR throttle control valve, and wire colors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a P0487 engine code may include:
Potential Causes
The typical causes for this code to be triggered are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known solution provided by the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.
Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve in your vehicle. It is situated between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once found, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for any scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully examine the terminals (metal parts) inside. Check for signs of burning or a green tint indicating corrosion. If necessary, clean the terminals using electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush. Allow them to dry and apply dielectric silicone grease to the contact points.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory and observe if this code reappears. If it does not, then the issue was most likely related to the connections.
If the P0487 code does reappear, further testing of the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits is necessary. Typically, the EGR throttle control valve has either 3 or 4 wires. Disconnect the harness connected to the valve. Using a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), test the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit (Red lead to the valve’s signal circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts or if you measure 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring between the PCM and the valve, or consider the possibility of a faulty PCM.
If that is fine, ensure that there is a good ground connection at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive terminal of a 12V battery and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit connected to the EGR throttle control valve. If the test light does not illuminate, it indicates a problem with the circuit. If it does illuminate, wiggle the wiring harness connected to the EGR throttle control valve to check for any flickering of the test light, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all previous tests have passed and you continue to encounter a P0487 code, it is likely that the EGR throttle control valve has failed. However, the possibility of a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve is replaced.
