Theory of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Bypass Valve is used to redirect the EGR gases around the cooler when the engine is under certain operating conditions. The EGR Cooler Bypass Valve is a smart device which communicates it's status to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). At key on the EGR Cooler Bypass Valve drives the signal line low and then high and the PCM monitors for the correct status response from the EGR Cooler Bypass Valve. Throughout engine operation the PCM sends commands via the signal circuit to the EGR Cooler Bypass Valve and monitors the status line to confirm that the EGR Cooler Bypass Valve has reached the commanded position. When a fault occurs, the EGR Cooler Bypass valve will send a signal of less than one Volt on the status line to the PCM. The PCM will light a MIL lamp after this monitor runs and fails in two consecutive drive cycles. The PCM will turn off the MIL lamp after the diagnostic passes in four consecutive drive cycles.