Symptoms
Symptoms of a P213A engine code may include:
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated
Active post-treatment regeneration time longer than normal (it will take more time for the exhaust system to heat up and burn off soot accumulated inside the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter)
Potential Causes
Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:
- Open in the signal circuit between the EGR throttle control valve and the PCM
- Short to voltage in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
- Short to ground in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
- Faulty EGR throttle control valve – internally shorted
- Failed PCM – unlikely
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known fix published by the manufacturer and can save you time and money when diagnosing.
Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve on your specific vehicle. This valve is located between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning the terminals is necessary. Let it dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals make contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it does not, the connections were likely your problem.
If the P213A code returns, we will need to test the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 or 4 wires at the EGR throttle control valve. Disconnect the harness going to the EGR throttle control valve. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the signal circuit of the EGR throttle control valve (red wire to the valve signal circuit, black wire to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the valve, or if you see 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve, or possibly a faulty PCM.
If that is okay, ensure you have a good ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, that would indicate a circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wire harness going to the EGR throttle control valve to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P213A, this would most likely indicate a faulty EGR throttle control valve, although a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.