P213A: EGR Throttle Control Circuit B/Open

P213A concerns the electrical drive of EGR throttle B, a second motor-driven regulating flap found on some diesel layouts. Such a flap closes partly so that pressure ahead of the intake falls below exhaust pressure and enough exhaust gas can be recirculated; it also cuts air at engine stop. The engine module watches the output stage of flap B and stores P213A when the circuit is open or the driver flags a fault it cannot assign to low or high. No manufacturer documents this code publicly, so thresholds are unknown; CARB treats the flap as an output component whose circuit must be monitored. Flap A reports the same fault as P0487. Expect the flap to rest in its spring position, reduced EGR and possibly a power limit.

Symptoms

• Check engine lamp on
• Reduced power or limp mode
• Engine shudder when switched off
• EGR readiness not completed

Most likely causes

• Loose, corroded or broken connector or wire at throttle B
• Open winding in the throttle B actuator motor
• Harness damaged by heat near the exhaust or EGR cooler
• Faulty output stage in the engine control module

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 P213A means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 1: Air and fuel
• 3A: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P213A?

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 P213A?

The most common causes are: loose, corroded or broken connector or wire at throttle B; open winding in the throttle B actuator motor; harness damaged by heat near the exhaust or EGR cooler.

Related codes

• P213BEGR Throttle Control Circuit B Range/Performance
• P213CEGR Throttle Control Circuit B Low
• P213DEGR Throttle Control Circuit B High
• P0487EGR Throttle Control Circuit A/Open
• P0488EGR Throttle Control Circuit A Range/Performance

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• ms-motorservice.com: throttle valves and regulating throttles

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.