AutoCodes – Ford – P0490 Ford

P0490 Ford Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Motor Control Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve with a 5 V reference circuit, a low reference circuit, an H-bridge motor directional control circuit, and a signal circuit. Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P0490 Ford indicates Exhaust Gas Recirculation Motor Control Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection.
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 3,943
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 11, 2022
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Code P0490 Ford Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve with a 5 V reference circuit, a low reference circuit, an H-bridge motor directional control circuit, and a signal circuit. The EGR position sensor provides a signal voltage that changes relative to the EGR position. The EGR position sensor information is transmitted between the EGR valve and the ECM on the signal circuit. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor signal is used by the ECM to detect the proper amount of EGR flow. The ECM will close the EGR valve, then open the EGR valve to 100%. The ECM will then calculate the MAF difference and determine if the proper EGR flow has been detected. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to voltage on the control circuit for greater than 2.5 s.
OBDII Code P0490 Ford - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Motor Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0490 Ford Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Motor Control Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0490 Ford?

  • Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0490 Ford?

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 P0490 Ford 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.

Need more information about the P0490 Ford code?

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0490 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0490 in a Ford vehicle?

The common symptoms of code P0490 include rough idling, engine stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What could cause the OBDII code P0490 to occur in a Ford vehicle?

The code P0490 usually indicates a problem with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) motor control circuit, which could be caused by a faulty EGR valve, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning EGR motor.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0490 in my Ford vehicle?

Diagnosing code P0490 typically involves checking the EGR system components, inspecting the wiring for any damage, testing the EGR motor, and using a scan tool to monitor data related to the EGR system.

4. Is it safe to drive my Ford vehicle with OBDII code P0490 present?

It is not recommended to drive your Ford vehicle with code P0490 present, as it can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to other engine components.

5. Are there any DIY repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0490 in a Ford vehicle?

While some basic checks like inspecting the EGR valve and wiring connections can be done by DIY enthusiasts, diagnosing and repairing code P0490 often requires professional expertise and specialized tools.

6. Can a dirty or clogged EGR valve cause OBDII code P0490 in a Ford vehicle?

Yes, a dirty or clogged EGR valve can restrict the flow of exhaust gases and disrupt the EGR system's operation, potentially triggering code P0490.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0490 in a Ford vehicle?

The cost of repairing code P0490 can vary depending on the underlying cause and the labor rates in your area. It is advisable to get a diagnosis from a qualified mechanic to get an accurate estimate.

8. Will resetting the Check Engine Light make OBDII code P0490 go away temporarily?

Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue causing code P0490 is not addressed, the light is likely to come back on once the problem resurfaces.

9. Can a malfunctioning EGR motor cause OBDII code P0490 in a Ford vehicle?

Yes, a malfunctioning EGR motor, which controls the operation of the EGR valve, can trigger code P0490 if it fails to function properly or sends incorrect signals to the vehicle's engine control module.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P0490 in Ford vehicles?

It is recommended to check with Ford dealerships or visit the manufacturer's official website to inquire about any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P0490 in your specific Ford vehicle model.

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