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P0408

EGR Sensor B Circuit High

EGR / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0408 means the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) position sensor "B" is reporting a high, out-of-range voltage. The ECM uses this sensor to know how far the EGR valve is open; a bad reading can upset EGR flow, causing rough running or hesitation and an emissions failure — but it does not stop the engine from starting.

Medium

Can I keep driving? You can keep driving — you may notice slightly rough running or hesitation and it will fail an emissions test, but it won't stop the car.

Real-world scan data

Seen in
70
scans in the past year
Found in
<0.1%
of scans
<0.1%
of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Common causes

Most likely first

  1. EGR position sensor B signal wiring shorted to voltage or open
  2. Faulty EGR sensor B
  3. Poor or corroded connector
  4. Sticking EGR valve throwing off the reading
  5. ECM fault (rare)

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

  1. Read freeze-frame data and inspect the EGR sensor B connector and wiring for a short to voltage or an open.
  2. Compare the sensor's signal with the actual EGR valve position.
  3. Test and replace the EGR position sensor if out of spec.
  4. Inspect the EGR valve's operation for sticking.
  5. Repair the wiring/connector, then clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0408?+
Generally yes, short-term — expect an emissions failure and possible hesitation until it's fixed.
Can I just clear P0408?+
You can, but it returns until the sensor or its circuit is repaired.

Related codes

Read & clear P0408 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

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Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX