Fault code P0487 – exhaust gas recirculation throttle control circuit “A” open

Fault code P0487 is called “Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Throttle Control Circuit “A” Open” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P0487

OBD-2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0487 means that the engine-ECU detects a problem with the flow rate of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. Or there is no voltage in the EGR solenoid circuit.

Fault code P0487 – exhaust gas recirculation throttle control circuit

When a problem occurs, the computer looks at the voltage signals from the EGR throttle control valve. To determine if they are correct, based on input and reference data from memory.

When the engine-ECU detects a difference, it reports a problem with the intake throttle actuator and sets code P0487.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P0487 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the ECM memory as a malfunction).
  2. Increased fuel consumption.
  3. The engine does not accelerate well.
  4. Floating revolutions, as well as attempts to stall at idle.
  5. Sometimes there may be no symptoms, despite the stored fault code.

The severity of code P0487 is not high, you will be able to continue driving, the drivability will remain at the same level. But the car’s toxic emissions will increase, and you will not be able to pass the test because of their high content.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P0487 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Open circuit in signal line between exhaust gas recirculation throttle valve and PCM.
  • Voltage is shorted in signal circuit.
  • Throttle valve of recirculation system is shorted to ground.
  • Throttle valve of recirculation system is defective.
  • In rare cases, engine control module (ECM) malfunction.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0487

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0487:

  1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and read all stored data and error codes.
  2. Clear the error codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle to see if code P0487 appears again.
  3. If the error code appears again, visually inspect the electrical wires and connectors related to the exhaust gas recirculation system.
  4. If necessary, repair or replace any shorted, broken, damaged, or corroded components.
  5. Check the operation of the exhaust gas recirculation valve and the vent control solenoid valve.
  6. Check the operation of the exhaust gas recirculation valve position sensor and the absolute intake manifold air pressure sensor.
  7. Measure the voltage of the system vent control solenoid valve circuit using a digital multimeter.
  8. Compare value with manufacturer’s data sheet, replace faulty valve if necessary.
  9. If problem persists, check and replace engine control module (ECM) if necessary.

Diagnose and repair of problems

The first step in the P0487 troubleshooting process is to review the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB). For known problems with a particular vehicle.

The advanced diagnostic steps are very vehicle specific. It may require, special equipment and knowledge to accurately perform the steps.

Allow your vehicle’s engine to cool down. In most cases, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems are very hot. Since they are usually installed directly on the exhaust system. Therefore, if you don’t let the engine cool down, you can get burned.

Check Wires and Connections

Be sure to carefully check the integrity of the wiring harnesses involved. They often run along and around the exhaust pipe. Therefore, it would be a good idea to tie off any loose wires. If you find a burned wire, solder the connections and make sure they are properly insulated.

Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals inside the connectors. Look to see if they look burnt or have a green tint indicating corrosion.

Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic brush to clean the terminals if necessary. Allow to dry and apply dielectric silicone grease to the contact areas of the terminals.

If you have a scan tool, remove the P0487 diagnostic fault code from the memory and see if it comes back.

Valve check

If code P0487 returns, we need to check the EGR throttle valve and its associated circuits. There are usually 3 or 4 wires to the exhaust gas recirculation throttle valve.

Disconnect the wire harness from the EGR throttle valve. Using a digital voltmeter, check the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit. If there is no 5 volts on the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve.

If voltage is normal, check grounding reliability, and connect a test lamp. One end of the wire to the 12 volt battery plus and the other end to a grounded circuit. If the test light does not come on, this indicates a faulty circuit.

You can jiggle the wiring harness to see if the test light flashes. If it flashes, you can infer an intermittent connection that needs to be repaired.

If all of the previous checks are done, but you continue to get error P0487, it likely indicates a failed EGR throttle valve. Although a failed PCM should also not be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve is replaced.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P0487 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • BAW
  • Bentley
  • Chrysler (Voyager)
  • Citroen (Jumper)
  • Dodge
  • Fiat
  • Ford
  • Hover (H5)
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Mitsubishi (Outlander)
  • Nissan (Qashqai)
  • Peugeot (4007, 508, Boxer)
  • Renault (Megane, Scenic)
  • Ssangyong
  • Suzuki
  • Volkswagen
  • UAZ (Patriot)

Fault code P0487 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0409, P0488, P2141, P2142.

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