This is one of the most frequent OBD2 trouble codes. Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.
Definition
P1404 is an OBD-II Code that refers to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Closed Position Performance
Meaning
A P1404 code is a manufacturer specific code usually found vehicles such as Ford and Hyundai. The objective of the EGR system is to reduce Nitrous Oxide emission.
This is achieved by directing a little quantity of exhaust gas back to the upper intake for mixing with the air/fuel charge. As a result, the air/fuel mixture is diluted, resulting in less oxygen per cubic foot and ultimately leads to less nitrous oxide emissions. The DPFE sensor is a feedback sensor for the EGR valve. When this sensor goes bad or fails, the Error Code P1401 appears.
Causes
Common causes for this code include:
- Poor electrical connection in DPFE sensor circuit
- The pintle gets clogged with carbon
- Faulty DPFE sensor
- Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve
- Open or shorted DPFE sensor harness
- Damaged PCM (rare)
Symptoms
The symptoms of a P1404 code are:
- Check Engine light illuminated
- The motor locks up without warning
- Engine power is lost
- It's difficult to get the engine started.
- The exhaust stream has increased emissions
- The idle speed is unpredictable
- Engine knocking occurs when accelerating or increasing the engine load
Diagnosis
To diagnose a P1404 DTC code, a technician would:
- Scan for codes in the ECM and look at the freeze frame data for failure.
- Check engine light is on and stored P1404 code(s) found in ECM.
- Retrieve the DTC description for further diagnostics.
Common mistakes
The following are some of the most common mistakes that a technician may make when diagnosing a P1404 code:
- Not properly identifying the cause of the problem when using Freeze Frame Data
- Missing other conditions that may be causing the code(s) to set
- Not clearly understanding the P1404 DTC definition.
- P1404 is a manufacturer specific code, so it is important to properly identify the vehicle being worked on. This will determine what type of diagnostic procedures should be used, as well as where or how they should be applied.
How serious is this?
A P1404 code is not considered serious. The vehicle will run, but with decreased performance however, you should have it looked at right away. If the vehicle is not repaired soon, further damage may occur which can lead to major repair costs.
What repairs can fix the code?
The following are solutions that may fix this problem:
- Check the EGR valve for blockage, clean it, or replace it
- Repair or replace electrical connection in the DPFE sensor circuit
- Replace a faulty DPFE sensor harness or repair it
- Replace DPFE sensor
Related codes
A P1404 is related to and may be accompanied by the following codes:
P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the P1404 code is a manufacturer specific trouble code that means the exhaust gas recirculation is not working. Repairing this code may be as simple as replacing the part it refers to or cleaning parts that might cause problems in the future. No matter what, you should always have a professional technician diagnose the code for you if it comes up on your vehicle.