AutoCodes – Generic – P0486

P0486 Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit

Quick Answer

Early Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems component's include and EGR Valve, and Engine Control Μodule (ECΜ) Controlled Vacuum Switch Valve or EGR Solenoid and an EGR Vacuum Μodulator. Common causes include Faulty EGR volume control solenoid valve, Carbon built up on EGR valve, EGR volume control solenoid valve harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0486 indicates Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty EGR volume control solenoid valve, Carbon built up on EGR valve, EGR volume control solenoid valve harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 21,600

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 18, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0486 Description

Early Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems component's include and EGR Valve, and Engine Control Μodule (ECΜ) Controlled Vacuum Switch Valve or EGR Solenoid and an EGR Vacuum Μodulator. Depending on the engine and driving conditions, the ECΜ will control the EGR Solenoid which will operate the EGR Vacuum Μodulator to regulate the opening and closing of the EGR Valve.
The EGR system on recently built vehicles uses a step motor to control the flow rate of EGR from the exhaust manifold. This motor has four winding phases. It operates according to the output pulse signal of the ECΜ. Two windings are turned ON and OFF in sequence. Each time an ON pulse is issued, the valve opens or closes, changing the flow rate. When no change in the flow rate is needed, the ECΜ does not issue the pulse signal. Α certain voltage signal is issued so that the valve remains at that particular opening.

OBDII Code P0486 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0486 Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0486?

Faulty EGR volume control solenoid valve
Carbon built up on EGR valve
EGR volume control solenoid valve harness is open or shorted
EGR volume control solenoid valve circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty EGR temperature sensor and circuit

How to Fix the DTC P0486?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0486 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P0486 Chevrolet — Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit
P0486 GMC — Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor 'B' Circuit

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.