P041A OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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An Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Temperature Sensor is an electrode that surveys the EGR temperature and sends the signal to the engine control module. When the engine control module (PCM) checks for an incorrect signal from the EGR Temperature Sensor, the PCM will set code P041A. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) temperature sensor will be recorded as defective, damage or corroded.

Previous to when the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems were achievably brought forth to cars in the 1970's, engines were deliberately expended carelessly on fresh fuel that wasn’t burned and dismissing it into the atmosphere. Otherwise, today a vehicle must have a specific rating of emission as a way to carry on with the manufacturing process. We have considerably improved on emissions when using the EGR systems by relaying fresh exhaust that comes from the exhaust manifold and/or other components of the exhaust system, including recycling or re-burning the emission to ensure that we are effectively burning the fuel that we are spending our hard-earned money on.

The EGR temperature sensor functions are emphasized to provide a course of action where ECM (Engine Control Module) surveys the temperature within the EGR system and/or fixes the circulation as a method of using the EGR valve. It easily achieves this by using a typical temperature sensitive resistor-type sensor. Your OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) scan tool might display P041A and all related codes that are energized when the ECM checks a defect within the EGR temperature sensor or else it's circuits. Referring to what’s been explained earlier, the system entails the exhaust that’s heated up, aside from this, you are coming in contact with one of the hottest spots of the car, so be alert of where your hands and fingers are going, especially when the engine is turned off for only a short duration of time. The ECM sets the code P041A Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor B Circuit when detecting a basic function failure within the EGR Temperature Sensor "B" circuit. Consult with a particular vehicle repair manual to find out where in the circuit is the “B” part for your specific procedure.

What causes this problem Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor "B" Circuit

• Failed or corroded EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) temperature sensor
• Leaking EGR temperature sensor gasket
• Split or draining exhaust pipe when sensor is mounted
• Scorched wiring harness and/or sensor
• Defective wire(s) (open, short to power, short to ground, etc.)
• Defective connector
• ECM (Engine Control Module) problem
• Negative connections

1. Exhaust Gas Recirculation - A vacuum leak, a clogged fuel injector, low fuel pressure, a leaking head gasket or other problems cause increase nitrogen oxides. In addition, a faulty ignition, a vacuum leak or an ignition system problem causes a rough idle. Prior to spending money and replacing parts, troubleshoot the EGR valve and other system components to try to narrow down the problem.
2. EGR Temperature Sensor - A critical symptom common among a bad or failing EGR temperature sensor is engine ping or knock. If the EGR temperature sensor malfunctions it will cause an issue with the EGR system flow. This can cause cylinder temperatures to rise, which can cause engine ping or knock, sounding like a metallic rattling sound coming from the engine bay, and is an indicator that there is a problem with the combustion process. Any problem that results in engine ping or knock should be tended to as soon as possible, as engine knock can cause serious engine damage if left unchecked.
3. Exhaust Pipe - A leaking exhaust pipe can damage plastic components in the engine bay, and is hazardous to health, as the exhaust fumes can enter the car's cabin. If your exhaust manifold is cracked or leaking, the backpressure in the exhaust system will be incorrect, which can reduce engine power, cause sputtering and other problems. It should take 2 to 3 hours for repairing the exhaust leak to completion, depending on the difficulty of getting to the exhaust manifold.
4. Powertrain Control Module - A corrupted PCM could get erratic to a degree that your vehicle will have issues starting or may begin to stall when running. You will start to see that exhaust fumes have shorted when the car runs, emissions system control signals will begin to fail, so with a PCM that’s not working properly, you must it replaced instantaneously.
5. Engine Control Module - Your car may not be able to start, especially after making sure it’s clear the battery and starter are working properly. If your car's issues pave way to a failed engine control module, it should be replaced immediately to stop further critical risks to your car.

We at Parts Avatar Canada care about satisfying our customers, and are geared in helping you to diagnose P041A code by jotting out these important symptoms. They are described below as follows:

Common Symptoms

• Defective smog or emissions state/provincial exam
• Engine sounds (knocking, rattling, pinging, ponging etc.)
• Noisier exhaust
• Too many exhaust doors

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is built to reduce flaming temperatures and bring down oxides of nitrogen emissions (NOx). In order to achieve this, exhaust gases are brought forth into the engine combustion chamber so they cool down the flames. Other vehicles use an EGR temperature sensor to find out about the EGR system. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this data for the correct EGR management.

On our modern diesel engines, an EGR cooler is used to cool the temperature of the exhaust gas before it enters the engine. The PCM relies on the EGR temperature sensors to examine the cooler’s system. Basically, a single temperature sensor is placed on the exhaust manifold, and another is placed near the EGR valve.

The typical symptoms of a failing EGR temperature sensor also comes with pinging, enhanced fuel emissions and an illuminated Check Engine Light.

Locate the EGR temperature sensor

As a way to safely and effectively replace your EGR temperature sensor you need a few handy tools for the operation:

• Free repair manuals (optional)
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses

The EGR temperature sensor is usually mounted in the exhaust manifold or else mounted near the EGR valve.

Remove the EGR temperature sensor

• Disengage the negative battery cable and set it aside.
• Remove the electrical connector by pushing down on the tab and sliding it off.
• Unfasten the sensor by using a ratchet or wrench.
• Take off the sensor.

Install the new EGR temperature sensor

• Put in the new sensor. Mount the new sensor in position.
• Fasten in the new sensor with your hand and then screw it tightly down by using a ratchet or wrench.
• Reinsert the electrical connector. Engage the electrical connector by sliding it into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable and screw it tightly down.
• You should now have a new EGR temperature sensor installed.

Here are some steps, which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

Basic Step #1

First priority is to detect for anything clearly in view when making a visual examination of the sensor and EGR system surround, searching for any particular exhaust leaks. Moreover, check for the sensor and its harness when conducting a survey in there. Take in mind what was explained earlier about those high temperatures. They can cause widespread destruction on plastic and rubber coated wires so survey them methodically.

Basic Step #2

In the past, many EGR problems that were viewed have happened because of accumulated soot in the exhaust, and in future has occurred by multiple factors, such as bad maintenance and poor-quality fuel, and more causes. In such cases, this is no uncommon, so it would be great to clean your EGR system or at least the temperature sensor. Be alert that sensors mounted within the exhaust systems may feel as if they were grasped when trying to detach.

Always remember, these sensors are topic to significant temperature changes, so even the slightest heat when using the Oxyacetylene torch, except for the layman, may help unfasten the sensor. As soon as the sensor is taken off, use the carburetor cleaner or a similar product to successfully soak up the soot. Use a wire brush to break up the soot in any excessively built up areas. When reinserting the cleaning sensor, ensure to put on anti-seize to the strands as a way to safely keep them from feeling grasped.

Basic Step #3

Confirm the solidity of the sensor by measuring the exact electrical values in comparison to manufacturer particular demanded values. To achieve this, use your multimeter and follow the precise pinout test methods by the manufacturer.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P041A code

• Failed EGR temperature sensor
• Failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Wiring problem