P04E5: EGR Temperature Sensor D Circuit

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) routes part of the exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx. The code standard allows up to four EGR temperature sensors, A to D – for example before and after the cooler, or in the high- and low-pressure circuits; which is which depends on the maker. Sensor D is the fourth of them, usually an NTC whose low voltage means hot. P04E5 is its general circuit fault, conceivable on systems with high- and low-pressure EGR and two sensors per circuit. No manufacturer document available to us uses sensor D – GM, Ford and FCA use at most A to C – so the description follows CARB's requirement to check input circuits for continuity and range. EGR then uses a substitute value or is switched off.

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 on a substitute value or off)
Possibly EGR flow or cooler codes (P0401, P2457)

Most likely causes

Wire or connector fault
Sensor faulty
Engine module

What to check, in order

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

Check the connector and any vacuum hoses
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: medium
It affects emissions.

What each character of P04E5 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
4: Emissions
E5: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P04E5?

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 P04E5?

The most common causes are: wire or connector fault; sensor faulty; engine module.

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.