P049E: EGR B Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) routes part of the exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx. Circuit B is the second EGR path; on diesels with two circuits it is the low-pressure EGR, which takes exhaust after the particulate filter and feeds it in before the turbo compressor (GM diesels 2016–18, FCA's 2.2 and 3.0 diesels). P049E is the counterpart of P049D for valve B: the learned zero point of its position sensor lies outside the permitted window. GM lists it only in a fault group of its low-pressure EGR (whose position sensor is sensor C there, P044C/P044D), and in the 2016 calibration it is explicitly disabled; thresholds are not published. The description therefore follows GM's P049D strategy by analogy. Low-pressure EGR position control is then switched off.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• EGR switched off, usually no noticeable change
• Higher NOx

Most likely causes

• Low-pressure EGR valve sooted, does not close fully
• Position sensor of the low-pressure valve faulty or shifted
• Valve replaced without teaching in
• Harness or connector of the low-pressure valve

What to check, in order

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

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

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: hard
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P049E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 4: Emissions
• 9E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P049E?

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 P049E?

The most common causes are: low-pressure EGR valve sooted, does not close fully; position sensor of the low-pressure valve faulty or shifted; valve replaced without teaching in.

Related codes

• P049DEGR A Control Position Exceeded Learning Limit
• P045EEGR B Control Stuck Open
• P045FEGR B Control Stuck Closed
• P044CEGR Sensor C Circuit Low
• P044DEGR Sensor C Circuit High
• P049BEGR B Flow Insufficient Detected

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• patents.google.com: en
• 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.