AutoCodes – Generic – P1406

P1406 Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Position Sensor Performance

Quick Answer

The purpose of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on your engine is to limit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Common causes include Downstream hose is disconnected, Downstream hose is plugged (ice), Plugged or damaged Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) tube. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P1406 indicates Exhaust Gas Recirculation Position Sensor Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Downstream hose is disconnected, Downstream hose is plugged (ice), Plugged or damaged Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) tube.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

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Code Popularity 64,477

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 19, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1406 Description

The purpose of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on your engine is to limit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. This is done by redirecting small amounts of exhaust gas back through the upper intake to get mixed in with the air/fuel charge. The resultant diluted air/fuel mixture (i.e., less oxygen per cubic foot) burns cooler and combustion chamber temperatures are reduced accordingly, thereby lowering NOx emissions.
The Ford DPFE/EGR system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The system employs an EGR Valve, an Electronic Vacuum Regulator (EVR), and a Delta Pressure Feedback EGR sensor (DPFE).
The DPFE Sensor measures EGR flow across an orifice located inside the special EGR Tube. The orifice is positioned between two hose ports coming off the tube which are connected to the DPFE sensor with special heat-resistant hoses. When the EGR Valve is open, a pressure differential is created across the orifice (intake manifold pressure vs. exhaust pressure). By design, this difference in pressure is measured by the DPFE sensor in terms of voltage. The DPFE voltage signal output to the PCM is directly proportional to the flow of exhaust gas entering the intake manifold.

OBDII Code P1406 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Position Sensor Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1406 Code - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Position Sensor Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1406?

Downstream hose is disconnected
Downstream hose is plugged (ice)
Plugged or damaged Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) tube
Faulty Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor
Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor harness is open or shorted
Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1406?

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 P1406 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

P1406 Acura — Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Position Sensor Circuit Problem
P1406 Audi — EGR Temperature Sensor Signal Range Performance
P1406 BMW — Heated Catalyst Internal Control Module Checksum/ROM Error
P1406 Buick — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Cadillac — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Chevrolet — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Chrysler — EGR System Pintle Position Error
P1406 Dodge — EGR System Pintle Position Error
P1406 Ford — DPFE Sensor Circuit Downstream Hose
P1406 GMC — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Honda — Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Position Sensor Circuit Problem
P1406 Isuzu — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Jeep — EGR System Pintle Position Error
P1406 Lincoln — DPFE Sensor Circuit Downstream Hose
P1406 Mazda — DPFE Downstream Hose Off Or Plugged
P1406 Mercury — DPFE Sensor Circuit Downstream Hose
P1406 Pontiac — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 RAM — EGR System Pintle Position Error
P1406 Saturn — EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit
P1406 Toyota — Turbo Pressure Sensor Range/Performance Problem
P1406 Volkswagen — EGR Temperature Sensor Signal Range Performance

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.