P23E6 code meaning
EGR C Control Stuck Closed
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P23E6 means
With P23E6 the module concludes that EGR valve C does not open when commanded and stays at or near its closed stop. The consequence is the reverse of P23E5: the engine runs smoothly, but the exhaust share from this path is missing, combustion temperature and NOx go up, and a gasoline engine may knock more readily. Typical reasons are a valve glued shut by soot, a seized shaft, a stripped drive gear or a motor that no longer delivers enough torque against the deposits. The counterparts for valves A and B are P042F and P045F; GM's 2018 diesel tables group P042F with P042E as position deviation faults. No manufacturer documents P23E6 publicly; CARB requires EGR systems to be monitored for insufficient flow and faulty control. Low flow from this path is P23E7.
P23E6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P23E6
- No change in driving, but higher NOx
- Possible knocking on gasoline engines
- Warning lamp
Common causes of P23E6
- Most likelyValve C glued shut by soot
- PossibleSeized shaft or stripped drive gear
- Less likelyActuator motor too weak to break the valve free
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EGR valve c
What each part of P23E6 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| E6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P23E6 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 P23E6
What does P23E6 mean?
P23E6 means "EGR C Control Stuck Closed". With P23E6 the module concludes that EGR valve C does not open when commanded and stays at or near its closed stop. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P23E6?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P23E6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P23E6 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 P23E6 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P23E6 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.