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Home/DTC Codes/Pontiac/Firebird/1998-2002 3.8L V6/P1404
P1404

EGR Valve Pintle Position Closed Performance

1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird 3.8L V6

Moderate SeverityPowertrain

Description

The PCM detected that the EGR valve is not fully closing when commanded closed. The EGR valve position sensor voltage remains above 0.29V when the valve should be closed. This code is most commonly caused by carbon buildup on the EGR valve pintle that prevents full closure. Over time, the original learned closed-position signal drifts as the position sensor wears.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Rough or erratic idle
  • Engine knocking or pinging on acceleration
  • Black smoke from tailpipe
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Hard starting
  • Engine stalling

Common Causes

  • Carbon buildup on EGR valve pintle (most common)
  • Worn EGR valve position sensor
  • EGR valve mechanically stuck open
  • Damaged EGR valve wiring
  • Excessive wear of EGR valve internals
  • PCM failure (rare)

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Monitor EGR valve position voltage with scan tool when commanded closed (should be below 0.29V)
  2. Remove and inspect EGR valve for carbon deposits
  3. Clean EGR valve pintle and seat
  4. Test EGR position sensor through range of motion
  5. Check wiring and connector

Repair Notes

Remove and clean EGR valve of carbon deposits. If cleaning does not resolve, replace EGR valve assembly. The EGR position sensor is often integrated into the valve.

Related Codes

P0400Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) FlowP0401EGR Flow Insufficient DetectedP0402EGR Flow Excessive DetectedP0403EGR Control CircuitP0404EGR Control Circuit Range/PerformanceP1406DPFE Sensor Downstream Hose Off or PluggedP1406DPFE Sensor Downstream Hose Off or PluggedP1406DPFE Sensor Downstream Hose Off or PluggedP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position CircuitP1406EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit

Other Powertrain Codes

P1404 on Other Vehicles

Pontiac Aztek

2001-2005 3.4L V6

Pontiac Bonneville

1990-1999 3.8L V6

Pontiac Bonneville

2000-2005 3.8L V6

Pontiac Bonneville GXP

2000-2005 4.6L V8

Pontiac Bonneville GXP

2000-2005 4.6L V8 Northstar

Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

1992-1999 3.8L Supercharged V6

Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

1992-1999 3.8L V6 Supercharged

Pontiac Firebird

1993-1997 3.4L V6

Common Questions

What does code P1404 mean on a 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird?

P1404 stands for "EGR Valve Pintle Position Closed Performance". The PCM detected that the EGR valve is not fully closing when commanded closed. The EGR valve position sensor voltage remains above 0.29V when the valve should be closed. This code is most commonly caused by carbon buildup on the EGR valve pintle that prevents full closure. Over time, the original learned closed-position signal drifts as the position sensor wears.

What are the symptoms of P1404 on a Pontiac Firebird?

Common symptoms of P1404 include: Check Engine Light, Rough or erratic idle, Engine knocking or pinging on acceleration, Black smoke from tailpipe, Reduced fuel economy, Hard starting, Engine stalling.

What causes P1404 on a 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird?

Common causes of P1404 include: Carbon buildup on EGR valve pintle (most common), Worn EGR valve position sensor, EGR valve mechanically stuck open, Damaged EGR valve wiring, Excessive wear of EGR valve internals, PCM failure (rare).

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