P245C Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Bypass Control Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Bypass Control Circuit Low
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Mercedes, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P245C and related codes P245A, P245B and P245D are associated with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler bypass control circuit.
The purpose of the EGR cooler bypass control circuit is to open and close the EGR bypass valve under predetermined conditions to prevent the EGR cooler from being overloaded known as fouling that effects the performance and efficiency of a diesel engine. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the operation of this circuit by receiving voltage references from the EGR temperature switch and other associated components to operate the EGR cooler bypass valve returning the exhaust gases to the intake for combustion in most configurations. The location of the EGR bypass valve, EGR cooler, temperature switch and associated components are vehicle specific and vary tremendously determined by the manufacture.
When the ECM detects voltage or resistance within the exhaust gas recirculation cooler bypass control circuit that is too low below the normal range threshold, code P245C will be set and the check engine light, service engine soon light or both may be illuminated.
A typical EGR cooler bypass valve:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code can vary tremendously from moderate to severe depending on the specific symptoms of the malfunction and the serviceability level of the cooler and bypass valve. A malfunctioning EGR valve or control circuit can cause the engine to have excessive ignition and pre-ignition that may cause damage to the pistons, valves and other associated internal engine components.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P245C trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P245C code may include:
What are some P245C troubleshooting steps?
The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model and power plant. In some circumstances, this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
The second step is to locate all components associated with the EGR cooler bypass circuit and examine for obvious physical damage. Based on the specific vehicle, this circuit may incorporate several components including the temperature switch, bypass valve, EGR valve, EGR cooler and the ECM. Perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next is to check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins. This process must include all wiring connections to all the components including the EGR temperature switch and the ECM. Consult the specific tech data for the vehicle to verify the configuration of the EGR cooler bypass valve control circuit and confirm every component incorporated within the circuit which may include a fuse or a fuse-able link in some applications.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multi meter and the specific technical references for the vehicle.
Voltage Checks
The reference voltage and the acceptable ranges may vary based on the specific vehicle and the circuit configuration. Specific technical data will include troubleshooting charts and the appropriate sequence to follow assisting you with an accurate diagnosis.
If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity testing may be required to check the integrity of the wiring, connectors and other components. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit and the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open, shorted or corroded and must be repaired or replaced.
What are some common repairs for this code?
Common Mistake
Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your exhaust gas recirculation cooler bypass control circuit fault code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p245c in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p245c and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p245c.
