Faulty EGR temperature sensor D, internally shorted or failed; Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the sensor, particularly a short to ground; Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the sensor; Open circuit in the sensor ground or signal return wire; Water or oil intrusion into the connector causing a low-resistance path; PCM internal fault affecting the sensor reference voltage or signal processing

DTC codes / P04xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P04E7

P04E7EGR Temperature Sensor D Circuit Low

Q: What does code P04E7 mean?

EGR Temperature Sensor D Circuit Low. P04E7 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal on the EGR temperature sensor D circuit, which typically points to a short to ground or an open circuit in the sensor's return path. The computer compares the sensor's output against expected values and flags this code when the signal falls below the calibrated threshold for a set period.

P04E7 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal on the EGR temperature sensor D circuit, which typically points to a short to ground or an open circuit in the sensor's return path. The computer compares the sensor's output against expected values and flags this code when the signal falls below the calibrated threshold for a set period.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or stumbling when the engine is cold, especially during EGR activation
Slightly elevated emissions or a failed emissions test
Poor fuel economy in some cases due to incorrect EGR flow calculations
Intermittent engine hesitation or surge under light throttle
In rare instances, a noticeable decrease in engine performance if the EGR system remains open

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty EGR temperature sensor D, internally shorted or failed
Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the sensor, particularly a short to ground
Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the sensor
Open circuit in the sensor ground or signal return wire
Water or oil intrusion into the connector causing a low-resistance path
PCM internal fault affecting the sensor reference voltage or signal processing

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins, and repair as needed
Measure the sensor's resistance or voltage output with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specifications
Check for continuity between the sensor signal wire and ground to rule out a short to ground
Verify the sensor's ground circuit has less than 1 ohm resistance to the battery negative terminal
If wiring and connectors are good, replace the EGR temperature sensor D with a known-good unit
Clear the diagnostic trouble codes and perform a road test to confirm the repair
If the code persists after sensor replacement, diagnose the PCM and its reference voltage circuit

Why a low signal is not always the sensor

A short to ground in the sensor wiring is more common than a failed sensor itself, especially where the harness rubs against hot EGR components.
The EGR temperature sensor D circuit often shares a ground with other sensors, so a bad ground elsewhere can set this code without any fault in the sensor.
Technicians sometimes replace the EGR valve when the real problem is the temperature sensor, because both can cause similar driveability symptoms.
This code can be set by a poor connection at the PCM connector, which is often overlooked during diagnosis.
On some vehicles, the EGR temperature sensor is integrated into the EGR cooler, making replacement more labor-intensive than expected.

Can I keep driving with P04E7?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive with this code because it does not cause a immediate safety risk, but prolonged driving may increase emissions and slightly affect fuel economy. Avoid heavy loads or sustained high-speed driving until the fault is repaired, and address the issue promptly to prevent secondary damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.