P044D: EGR Sensor C Circuit High

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) routes part of the exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx. What EGR sensor C is depends on the maker: on Ford petrol engines from 2020 it is the DPFE sensor, which measures the pressure drop across an orifice in the EGR pipe (sensor A there is the valve position sensor); GM diesels assign it to the position sensor of a low-pressure EGR valve, but only within fault groups. P044D means its signal is above the upper limit. Ford petrol engines from 2020 set it above 4.65 V for 5 s, beyond the measuring range that ends at 4.5 V (about +18 kPa) – typically an open sensor ground, a signal shorted to 5 V or positive, or a faulty sensor. EGR flow, hose and cooler checks are then suspended; MIL after two trips.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: if the valve is stuck open, the engine may idle very poorly.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Usually no change in driving
EGR readiness not set, EGR possibly switched off

Most likely causes

Sensor ground open
Signal shorted to 5 V or positive
Sensor faulty internally
Engine module

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the connector and any vacuum hoses
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Use live data to compare the commanded opening with the actual opening
Clean the valve and passages if they are clogged with carbon
Test the actuator with the scanner
Replace the valve if it still does not follow the command after cleaning

Good to know

Repair difficulty: easy
It affects emissions.

What each character of P044D means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
4: Emissions
4D: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P044D?

You can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: if the valve is stuck open, the engine may idle very poorly.

What causes code P044D?

The most common causes are: sensor ground open; signal shorted to 5 V or positive; sensor faulty internally.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.