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DTC/P0406

P0406: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit High

Quick Answer
Moderata GravitàSicuro da guidare (a breve termine)Emissioni

P0406 means the EGR position sensor 'A' is sending a voltage above its normal operating range, typically above 4.5V. This is usually caused by an open signal wire, a sensor shorted to its 5V reference internally, or a sensor that has failed in the open position.

Costo di riparazione stimatoDa €70 a €670+, varia in base al veicolo

Cosa significa P0406?

P0406 means the EGR position sensor 'A' is sending a voltage above its normal operating range, typically above 4.5V. This is usually caused by an open signal wire, a sensor shorted to its 5V reference internally, or a sensor that has failed in the open position.

P0406 è un codice diagnostico di guasto relativo a emissioni, classificato con gravità moderate. Quando la centralina (ECU) del tuo veicolo rileva questa condizione, memorizza P0406 e accende la spia motore.

Quali sono i sintomi di P0406?

Se il tuo veicolo ha attivato P0406, potresti notare uno o più di questi sintomi:

  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Rough idle, sometimes stalling at stops
  • Reduced power on diesels (limp mode)
  • Hesitation during light throttle
  • Failed emissions test or periodic technical inspection

Cosa causa P0406?

Ecco le cause più comuni di P0406, ordinate in base alla probabilità che siano la causa del problema:

altaEGR position sensor failed open internally (sensor shorted to 5V reference)
altaOpen or broken signal wire between sensor and ECU
mediaLoose or unseated EGR sensor connector
mediaCarbon buildup holding valve at maximum reported position
bassaOpen ground circuit on the sensor side

È sicuro guidare con P0406?

In genere sì, per brevi tragitti. Driveable. P0406 means the EGR position sensor (sensor A) is reporting a voltage higher than the expected range. The ECU loses trust in the EGR feedback and disables the system, causing rough idle and possible limp mode on diesels. Failed emissions test is guaranteed.

Come si diagnostica P0406?

Segui questi passaggi per individuare la causa principale di P0406:

  1. Back-probe the sensor signal wire with the key on, engine off. Reading near 5V indicates an open signal or sensor failed open
  2. Verify the sensor ground at the connector. If ground is missing, the signal will float high
  3. Unplug the connector and check for damaged pins or unseated terminals
  4. With the connector unplugged, the signal wire at the sensor side should read 0V (the sensor pulls it up when connected). At the ECU side it should still read 5V
  5. If wiring and ground are good and the sensor reads 5V steadily, the integrated sensor has failed. Replace the EGR valve assembly

Quanto costa riparare P0406?

I costi di riparazione di P0406 variano a seconda della causa principale e del tuo veicolo. Ecco le stime tipiche:

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Re-seat and clean EGR sensor connector €10–€60 €60–€180 €70–€240 Moderata
Replace EGR valve (sensor integrated) €150–€450 €80–€220 €230–€670 Moderata
Repair EGR wiring harness or signal wire €20–€120 €120–€350 €140–€470 Professionale

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

P0406 su veicoli specifici

P0406 si comporta in modo diverso a seconda del tuo veicolo. Seleziona la tua auto qui sotto per cause specifiche del modello, problemi noti e stime dei costi adeguate:

BMW

P0406 su BMW 3 Series

2007–2024

The N47 and B47 320d EGR sensor fails high (P0406) less often than low (P0405), but when it does it usually means the integrated sensor has failed internally rather than a wiring issue. The EGR connector is buried under the intake manifold support, requiring partial disassembly for inspection. ISTA or Carly adaptation reset is mandatory after valve replacement on the B47.

Cosa causa P0406 su una BMW 3 Series?

BMW 3 SeriesN47/B47 integrated sensor internal failure (open Hall element)
BMW 3 SeriesConnector buried under intake support, hard to inspect

Costo di riparazione di P0406 per BMW 3 Series

Costi stimati per i proprietari di BMW 3 Seriesadeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici BMW

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Re-seat and clean EGR sensor connector €14–€84 €84–€252 €98–€336 Moderata
Replace EGR valve (sensor integrated) €210–€630 €112–€308 €322–€938 Moderata
Repair EGR wiring harness or signal wire €28–€168 €168–€490 €196–€658 Professionale

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Volkswagen

P0406 su Volkswagen Golf

2009–2024

EA189 and EA288 TDI Golfs occasionally throw P0406 after harness work or accessory installation that disturbs the EGR connector. Always check that the connector is fully clicked in before replacing parts. On EA288 (2014+), the connector lock tab can crack from age, allowing the connector to back out under engine vibration. VCDS measured value block confirms the sensor voltage.

Cosa causa P0406 su una Volkswagen Golf?

Volkswagen GolfEA189/EA288 connector lock tab cracking, allowing back-out under vibration
Volkswagen GolfDisturbed connectors after intake or turbo service

Costo di riparazione di P0406 per Volkswagen Golf

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Volkswagen Golfadeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Volkswagen

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Re-seat and clean EGR sensor connector €12–€69 €69–€207 €81–€276 Moderata
Replace EGR valve (sensor integrated) €173–€518 €92–€253 €265–€770 Moderata
Repair EGR wiring harness or signal wire €23–€138 €138–€402 €161–€541 Professionale

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Audi

P0406 su Audi A4

2008–2024

B8 and B9 A4 2.0 TDI suffer the same P0406 failure modes as the Golf, plus restricted access due to the larger intake manifold. On 3.0 TDI V6 models, P0406 may apply to either bank, so always read the freeze frame to confirm which side. Adaptation reset via VCDS or ODIS is required after sensor or valve service.

Cosa causa P0406 su una Audi A4?

Audi A4EA189/EA288 connector issues identical to Golf, with restricted A4 access
Audi A43.0 TDI V6 dual-bank fault requires freeze-frame to identify side

Costo di riparazione di P0406 per Audi A4

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Audi A4adeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Audi

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Re-seat and clean EGR sensor connector €13–€75 €75–€225 €88–€300 Moderata
Replace EGR valve (sensor integrated) €188–€563 €100–€275 €288–€838 Moderata
Repair EGR wiring harness or signal wire €25–€150 €150–€438 €175–€588 Professionale

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Mercedes-Benz

P0406 su Mercedes Sprinter

2010–2024

OM651 Sprinter EGR sensor open-circuit failures are less common than shorts (P0405), but when they appear they often correlate with a recent winter where road salt damaged the connector pins. Repair attempts at the harness rarely last, so most workshops fit a new pigtail connector with heat-shrink seals and a fresh EGR valve. XENTRY adaptation reset is mandatory.

Cosa causa P0406 su una Mercedes Sprinter?

Mercedes SprinterOM651 connector pin damage from winter road salt causing open circuit
Mercedes SprinterHeat-shrink pigtail repair plus new valve typical fix

Costo di riparazione di P0406 per Mercedes Sprinter

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Mercedes Sprinteradeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Mercedes-Benz

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Re-seat and clean EGR sensor connector €13–€78 €78–€234 €91–€312 Moderata
Replace EGR valve (sensor integrated) €195–€585 €104–€286 €299–€871 Moderata
Repair EGR wiring harness or signal wire €26–€156 €156–€455 €182–€611 Professionale

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Questi codici compaiono spesso insieme a P0406 o indicano problemi correlati:

Domande frequenti su P0406

What is the difference between P0405 and P0406?

P0405 means the signal is too low (below ~0.2V), usually a short to ground or failed sensor. P0406 means the signal is too high (above ~4.5V), usually an open wire, missing ground, or sensor failed open. Diagnostic steps are similar but the failure modes are opposite.

Can I drive with P0406?

Yes, short distances. The ECU disables EGR control, so the engine runs without EGR. Expect rough idle and possible limp mode on diesels. Long-term driving accelerates intake carbon buildup, especially on direct-injection engines. Plan the repair within a few weeks.

Is EGR delete a legal workaround for P0406?

No. EGR delete is illegal across the EU and UK, raises NOx emissions above legal limits, and fails periodic technical inspection (TÜV, ITV, TA, SKP). It can also void insurance and prevent vehicle registration transfer. Always repair the sensor or valve properly.

Why does P0406 come back after I replaced the sensor?

Two common reasons. First, EGR adaptation values were not reset after the new valve was fitted (required on BMW, Mercedes, VAG). Second, the carbon buildup that caused the original sensor stress is still present and damages the new sensor within months. Always clean the intake passages alongside any valve replacement.

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