P045E code meaning
EGR B Control Stuck Open
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P045E means
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.
P045E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P045E
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power, rough running, misfire
- Possibly black smoke
Common causes of P045E
- Most likelySoot or condensate deposits in the low-pressure valve
- PossibleValve position sensor fault as the trigger
- PossibleActuator gear or return spring faulty
- Less likelyForeign matter or filter debris in the low-pressure circuit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EGR valve bLow pressure EGR valveEGR wiringEngine control module
What each part of P045E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 5E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P045E and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P045E
What does P045E mean?
P045E means "EGR B Control Stuck Open". Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) routes part of the exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperature and NOx. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P045E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P045E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P045E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P045E is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P045E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P045E clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.