1997 Chevrolet 4x4 P1406 Fault: EGR Valve Position Circuit Issue and Engine Stalling
My 1997 Chevrolet 4x4 with a 350 engine died last night. Just before it shut off, the service light came on. The truck was towed home. I checked spark (present) and fuel pressure — approximately 18 psi when the key is on, and about 45–50 psi when trying to start. Once the engine starts after around six attempts, it runs very roughly and dies within about 15 seconds. I used a scan tool and received fault code P1406 (EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit). Will this cause frequent stalling or poor engine performance? I've seen discussions online suggesting that removing the EGR valve and cleaning it may help, but I'm concerned this might only result in rough idle — unless my case is more severe. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? Am I on the right track diagnosing this issue? Thank you for any advice or insights.
Yes, an open EGR valve can cause engine stalling. Remove the EGR valve and check if it's fully open. Look for carbon buildup; in some cases, a new EGR valve may be required. For proper diagnosis of electrical operation, you'll need access to the vehicle’s wiring diagrams, as this is an electrically controlled EGR valve.