P045E: EGR B Control Stuck Open

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) routes part of the exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx. EGR B is a second EGR valve next to valve A – on diesels with two EGR circuits the low-pressure valve, which takes exhaust after the particulate filter and feeds it in before the turbo compressor. GM's diesels of 2016–18 and FCA's 2.2-litre diesel in the Jeep Wrangler use it. P045E means valve B does not close: its actual position stays above the target despite the close command. On FCA's 2.2-litre diesel in the Jeep Wrangler, deposits in the low-pressure valve cause it; the bulletin prescribes a cleaning routine of nine ignition cycles that moves the valve repeatedly. Another FCA bulletin shows P045E following a position sensor fault (P0407/P0408). Too much EGR causes misfire, lack of power and smoke.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Lack of power, rough running, misfire
• Possibly black smoke

Most likely causes

• Soot or condensate deposits in the low-pressure valve
• Valve position sensor fault as the trigger
• Actuator gear or return spring faulty
• Foreign matter or filter debris in the low-pressure circuit

What to check, in order

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

1. Check the connector and any vacuum hoses
2. Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
3. Use live data to compare the commanded opening with the actual opening
4. Clean the valve and passages if they are clogged with carbon
5. Test the actuator with the scanner
6. Replace the valve if it still does not follow the command after cleaning

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P045E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 4: Emissions
• 5E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P045E?

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 P045E?

The most common causes are: soot or condensate deposits in the low-pressure valve; valve position sensor fault as the trigger; actuator gear or return spring faulty.

Related codes

• P045FEGR B Control Stuck Closed
• P042EEGR A Control Stuck Open
• P0402EGR A Flow Excessive Detected
• P0407EGR Sensor B Circuit Low
• P044CEGR Sensor C Circuit Low
• P049EEGR B Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit

Sources

• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10162563 9999
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10215894 9999
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

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.