Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The circuit “B” range/performance of the exhaust gas recirculation throttle position control is experiencing issues.
What does that mean?
This particular diagnostic trouble code is commonly found in diesel engines manufactured after 2004, including certain Ford, Dodge, GM, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and VW vehicles.
The exhaust gas recirculation (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 evaluates the voltage signals from the EGR throttle control valve to determine if they are accurate based on the PCM inputs. Mechanical or electrical issues could be the cause of this code.
The troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of EGR throttle control valve, and wire colors.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with the P213B engine code may include:
Causes
Possible causes for this code to be triggered are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
It is always advisable to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle as a starting point. 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. This valve 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 signs of scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully examine the terminals inside. Check for signs of burning or green 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, the issue was likely related to the connections.
If the P213B 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 EGR throttle control valve and use a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) to test the valve’s 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 the signal circuit is functioning correctly, check for a good ground 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, there is an issue 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 pass and the P213B code persists, 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.
