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P1404

B Circuit Malfunction/ Exhaust Gas Recirculation Closed Position Performance

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P1404 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P1404 code is a manufacturer-specific code, and therefore it’s not a code that is generally defined. However, pretty much all of them have to do with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. Essentially, the car learns the voltage level that occurs within the closed position of the EGR valve pintle. If that value varies, typically more than a certain amount or more than a certain number of times, then the car assumes the valve isn’t completely closed and throws this code.

More About the P1404 Code

It’s important to remember that because the P1404 code is manufacturer-specific, the exact reason why your car is throwing this code might vary. You may see it referred to as “IAT (Intake Air Temperature) – B Circuit Malfunction / Exhaust Gas Recirculation Closed Position Performance,” the description for some General Motors products at around the turn of the century, but this has largely been dropped. Your manufacturer may have a different reason why it throws the P1404 code, so it’s important to remember to check the manufacturer for your specific car. Additionally, you should always look at other codes the car is throwing, as you may need to eliminate those before you handle this code.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P1404 Code?

There are a number of symptoms that you might experience related to the P1404 code. You may simply notice the check engine light go off and absolutely nothing else, or you may notice some surprisingly prominent issues like black smoke coming from the tailpipe and pinging or knocking upon acceleration. You might also notice reduced fuel economy, rough or erratic idling measures, loss of power, hard starting, frequent or unpredictable stalling, and hard starting.

What Are Some Causes of a P1404 Code?

The most common reason you might see this code is because of carbon build-up on the EGR valve pintle. This carbon build-up can make the valve stay open, even just slightly, completely throwing off the way your engine works. However, it can also occur due to issues with wiring and connectors, excessive wear of the moving parts within this valve, or a defective valve from the beginning. While it also can be due to issues from a failing PCM, this is extremely uncommon.

How Serious Is the P1404 Code?

The seriousness of this code typically depends on which symptoms you’re experiencing. If you’re experiencing nothing more than a check engine light, then it’s safe to say that it’s not very serious. If you’re experiencing huge losses of power that make it difficult for you to steer your vehicle, then it’s extremely serious. These symptoms can kick in at any time, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to manage the code once you receive it.

Can I Still Drive with a P1404 Code?

Most individuals will still be able to drive with the P1404 code, as the code will most frequently not create any serious problems. However, if you’re experiencing this code, it is best to avoid driving until you can talk to an expert. An expert will be more equipped to tell you whether it’s safe to keep driving or whether you should fix the problem first.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1404 Code?

Diagnosis can be very easy in most cases. It’s very common for the problem to be carbon build-up, which you can usually see with the naked eye. If this is the case, then a diagnosis can be made just about as soon as you discover the problem. However, if this isn’t the case, a diagnosis becomes much more difficult, and at that point, it’s important to talk to an expert.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1404 Code?

The most common issue that causes a P1404 code is usually visible to the naked eye, and it may be something that a beginner can do. However, if it’s anything aside from this, you definitely want to talk to an expert about it. Unfortunately, when it comes to your car, it’s typically not a good idea to go out on a limb and try something new that you’ve never tried before.

Need Additional Help with Your P1404 Code?

The P1404 code can be extremely difficult to understand and fix, especially for beginners and DIYers who don’t know a lot about their cars. It’s certainly not a simple process, and if you’re experiencing this code, it may be best to get help from an expert rather than trying all sorts of things and seeing what might be wrong with it.

The first thing you should do is use Kelley to look for repair shops near you, as this will play a big role in determining what’s wrong and fixing it.

Diagnostic codes, in general, can also be an interesting thing that you might want to learn more about to understand your car problems more completely. In this case, simply use the KBB OBD-II code database to discover more about every code.

P1404 Q&A

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