P1404

EGR Valve Closed Pintle Position

Car Fault Codes Chevrolet Emissions & exhaust

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 150 to 1,800

What it means

This is a Chevrolet (GM) manufacturer-specific code, and the same number can mean something different on other makes. The linear EGR valve has a pintle position sensor, and this code means the computer commanded the valve closed but the sensor reads that the pintle is not at its expected closed position. Carbon buildup that stops the valve from seating is the most common cause.

Models covered: Chevrolet (GM) models with a linear EGR valve, mainly 1990s–2000s.

Symptoms4

Rough idle or shaking when stopped.
Occasional stalling at idle or when coming to a stop.
Hesitation when accelerating from low speed.
Check engine light on.

Possible causes5

Carbon on the pintle or seat that prevents full closing.
A faulty EGR valve or its built-in pintle position sensor.
A poor valve connector or a weak sensor ground or reference.
Sensor reading drifting away from the closed position the computer learned.
An engine computer fault (rare).

How to diagnose5

Read the codes and note other EGR codes such as P1406 or P0404.
Watch commanded and actual pintle position on a scan tool at idle when the valve should be closed.
Check the connector and wiring for corrosion or heat damage.
Remove the valve and inspect the pintle, seat and passage for carbon.
Use the scan tool control function to open and close the valve and watch the sensor response.

How to fix5

Clean carbon from the valve, seat and passage.
Repair the damaged connector or wiring.
Replace the EGR valve if the closed reading is still wrong after cleaning.
Perform any relearn the manufacturer requires after replacement.
Clear the codes, test drive and confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Cleaning the carbon is the low end, and replacing the linear EGR valve is the high end.

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 can this code cause stalling at a stop?

A valve that does not fully close lets exhaust gas into the intake at idle, which weakens combustion so the engine shakes and may stall.

Is cleaning the valve enough?

Often yes if carbon is the cause. If the code returns after cleaning, the sensor built into the valve is the likely fault.

Are the symptoms different from a low EGR flow code?

Yes. Here the valve does not close, so symptoms show at idle, while low flow such as P0401 usually causes pinging under load.

Was this explanation helpful?

Tap the stars to rate; you can change it later.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

Report a mistake

Spotted something inaccurate? Tell us and we will review and correct it.