P0402

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) "A" Flow Excessive Detected

Car Fault Codes Emissions & exhaust

Severity Medium Do not ignore it; it may get worse and cost more.
Can you still drive? With care, short trips only
Who can fix it? Needs a workshop
Typical repair time 1 hour – 3 hours
Cost level Medium In the Saudi market: SAR 150–1,800 (≈ USD 40–480)

What it means

The engine computer has detected more exhaust gas flowing back into the intake than it should, or flow at a time when the EGR valve should be closed. This weakens combustion, causing a rough idle and possible stalling.

Symptoms5

  • Noticeably rough or unstable idle.
  • Engine stalling at idle or when slowing down.
  • Hesitation or weakness when starting to accelerate.
  • Occasional hard starting.
  • Check engine light on.

Possible causes5

  • EGR valve stuck partly open by carbon.
  • Faulty control solenoid sending constant vacuum to the valve on vacuum-operated systems.
  • Incorrect reading from the EGR position or pressure sensor.
  • Vacuum hoses connected to the wrong ports after earlier work.
  • Wiring fault keeping the valve open.

How to diagnose5

  1. Watch the EGR valve position on a scan tool at idle; it should be closed.
  2. Unplug the valve connector or vacuum hose at idle; if the idle smooths out, the valve is opening when it should not.
  3. Remove the valve and check whether it seals fully or sticks with carbon.
  4. Check the control solenoid operation and vacuum hose routing.
  5. Compare the sensor signal with the manufacturer specification.

How to fix5

  1. Correct the vacuum hose routing if it is wrong.
  2. Clean carbon from the EGR valve so it closes fully.
  3. Replace the control solenoid or sensor if it is proven faulty.
  4. Replace the EGR valve if it still does not seal.
  5. Clear the codes and confirm the idle is stable.

Repair cost

Prices for
Cost levelMedium

In the Saudi market: SAR 150–1,800 (≈ USD 40–480)

Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.

The cost is low when the cause is cleanable carbon or a misrouted hose, and rises when the EGR valve must be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Why does the engine stall at idle?

Because exhaust gas entering the intake at idle dilutes the mixture and weakens combustion, and the engine cannot tolerate it at low speed.

Can I drive with this code?

Yes, with care, but watch for stalling at lights and junctions, and repair it soon.

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