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P0403: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis soon. If the engine stalls, surges severely, or pings under load, avoid continued driving until the cause is checked.

What does P0403 mean?

The EGR control circuit has an electrical fault. The valve recirculates exhaust to reduce combustion emissions, but a control-circuit code is not the same as proving that carbon has blocked the gas passage.

Generic OBD-II definition: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit. Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

  • Failed EGR control solenoid
  • Lost solenoid supply or damaged control wiring
  • Loose or corroded control connector

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Possible rough idle or surging
  • Sometimes no noticeable driving symptom

Diagnostic focus

Resolve the electrical control issue before treating P0401-style insufficient flow. Cleaning a passage will not repair an open solenoid winding.

Can I keep driving with P0403?

Severity: Medium Arrange diagnosis soon. If the engine stalls, surges severely, or pings under load, avoid continued driving until the cause is checked.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

  • Inspect the EGR control connector and power feed
  • Test control-circuit continuity and solenoid resistance
  • Check commanded operation after repairing the electrical fault

Related codes

P0400
Exhaust Gas Recirculation FlowP0401
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient DetectedP0404
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Range/PerformanceP0409
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor A Circuit

Sources & review

Definitions and diagnostic background checked 2026-11-06. Generic guidance, not a substitute for the service procedure for your exact year, engine, and transmission.