Open or damaged wire in the EGR vent control circuit, such as a broken conductor or corroded connector; Short to voltage on the vent control wire, often from chafed insulation against a power wire; Failed EGR vent solenoid, where the coil is open or the internal driver has failed; Faulty powertrain control module driver for the vent circuit, though this is less common; Poor electrical connection at the EGR valve harness, including backed-out pins or water intrusion; Carbon buildup or mechanical binding inside the EGR valve that prevents the vent solenoid from moving freely

DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2145

P2145Exhaust Gas Recirculation Vent Control Circuit High

Q: What does code P2145 mean?

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Vent Control Circuit High. P2145 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the exhaust gas recirculation vent control circuit, which typically points to an open circuit, a short to voltage, or a failed vent solenoid. The computer monitors the commanded state of the EGR vent solenoid and compares it to the actual feedback voltage; when the voltage stays above the expected threshold for a calibrated time, the code is stored and the check engine light is illuminated.

P2145 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the exhaust gas recirculation vent control circuit, which typically points to an open circuit, a short to voltage, or a failed vent solenoid. The computer monitors the commanded state of the EGR vent solenoid and compares it to the actual feedback voltage; when the voltage stays above the expected threshold for a calibrated time, the code is stored and the check engine light is illuminated.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering

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 if the EGR valve is stuck open
A slight decrease in fuel economy due to improper EGR flow
Intermittent engine hesitation or surge during light acceleration
Failed emissions inspection because the EGR monitor will not complete
In rare cases, a no-start condition if the EGR valve remains open and floods the intake with exhaust gas

Common causes, most likely first

Open or damaged wire in the EGR vent control circuit, such as a broken conductor or corroded connector
Short to voltage on the vent control wire, often from chafed insulation against a power wire
Failed EGR vent solenoid, where the coil is open or the internal driver has failed
Faulty powertrain control module driver for the vent circuit, though this is less common
Poor electrical connection at the EGR valve harness, including backed-out pins or water intrusion
Carbon buildup or mechanical binding inside the EGR valve that prevents the vent solenoid from moving freely

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related EGR or engine performance codes before proceeding
Inspect the EGR valve harness and connector for corrosion, loose pins, or chafed wires, and repair as needed
Measure resistance of the EGR vent solenoid coil and compare to the manufacturer's specification to rule out an open coil
With the key on and the connector unplugged, check for reference voltage on the vent control circuit and ensure it is not shorted to battery voltage
Command the EGR vent solenoid on and off with a scan tool while monitoring voltage or listening for a click to confirm circuit operation
If the circuit tests good but the solenoid does not respond, replace the EGR valve assembly or vent solenoid as applicable
Clear the code and perform a drive cycle to verify the repair and ensure the EGR monitor completes

What the vent circuit test really shows

A high voltage reading on the vent control circuit often means the circuit is open, not that the solenoid is receiving too much power, so technicians who replace the solenoid without checking continuity waste money.
The EGR vent solenoid is frequently part of the EGR valve assembly on many modern vehicles, so a failed vent coil can require replacing the entire valve rather than a separate component.
Carbon deposits can hold the EGR valve pintle in a position that makes the vent solenoid appear electrically faulty, so always inspect for mechanical binding before condemning the electrical circuit.
A short to voltage on the vent control wire can be caused by a nearby accessory wire that has rubbed through its insulation, and this often occurs in the harness loom near the engine block.
Some vehicles set P2145 only after a cold start when the EGR monitor runs, so a code that appears intermittently may be temperature-related and require freezing the frame data to catch the fault conditions.

Can I keep driving with P2145?

You can usually continue driving with P2145 because the EGR system is an emissions control device and does not affect basic engine operation, but avoid heavy acceleration or long idling if you notice rough running. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent potential carbon buildup or a failed emissions test.

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.