P0489 The computer sees a low voltage in the EGR valve control circuit

EGR control circuit low

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

TroubleCodes.net describes an electrical EGR control fault, and on the Volt the code is reported with a Reduced Propulsion message, but no source rates the single code, so the class is not set.

Source: how we rate severity

P0489 in short

P0489 means the engine computer sees a low voltage on the EGR valve control circuit. It points to wiring, the EGR valve solenoid or carbon buildup. On 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts it came with many codes, a blown fuse and a Reduced Propulsion message, and GM has a bulletin to replace the EGR valve.

The EGR valve feeds a controlled amount of exhaust back into the engine to cut emissions. P0489 says the computer sees the valve control circuit voltage lower than expected.

TroubleCodes.net lists damaged or corroded wiring and connectors, a faulty EGR control solenoid, carbon holding the valve pintle and, rarely, the computer.

Four Chevrolet Volt records list P0489 with P0443, P0458 and others. A shop traced them to a blown 15-amp fuse and cites GM bulletin 24-NA-080, which says to check the harness and replace the EGR valve.

Most likely causes

  1. EGR valve short blowing the underhood fuse (2016-2018 Volt)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Records 11632222 and 11757544 describe a blown fuse tied to the EGR valve; GM 24-NA-080 says to check the harness and replace the EGR valve for a MIL concern.
    What would change this
    Rises if the Volt has the same code group and a blown fuse. Falls if the fuse is intact.
    How to test the underhood fuse block (engine compartment fuse box)

  2. Wiring, connector or EGR control solenoid fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists damaged, corroded or disconnected wiring and a faulty EGR control solenoid.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring or the solenoid fails a test. Falls if they test good.

  3. Carbon buildup holding the EGR valve

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists carbon holding the valve pintle as a possible cause. It is a general cause and not tied to a vehicle here.
    What would change this
    Rises if the valve sticks when moved by hand or by command. Falls if it moves freely.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes. Note whether P0443 or P0458 and P0597 or P0598 are stored with P0489.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfA Volt shows many codes and Reduced Propulsion

      It meansCheck the underhood fuse and EGR valve wiring.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly EGR codes are stored

      It meansCheck the EGR wiring and valve.

      Go to step 3

  2. On a 2016-2018 Volt, have a shop check the underhood fuse reported as fuse 3 and the EGR valve harness.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

    Warning:Fuse and harness testing on a plug-in hybrid sits near high-voltage components and live circuits; leave it to a shop trained for the model.

  3. Check the EGR valve connector and wiring for damage or corrosion, then have the valve tested.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

    Warning:The EGR valve and its lines get very hot, and an EGR valve may be coolant-cooled on some engines; let the engine cool before touching it.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Reduced Propulsion message on a Volt
  • Reduced power

How to fix

  1. If you drive a 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt, ask a dealer about GM bulletin 24-NA-080.

  2. Check that the EGR valve connector is fully pushed in, with the engine off and cool.

Parts and cost context

  • Underhood fuse block (engine compartment fuse box):Volt records describe a blown 15-amp fuse; a fuse alone does not fix a short, so have the EGR valve harness checked. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2016–2018 · Volt

    Supported by vehicle data

    Four owner and shop records list P0489 with P0443 and P0458; one cites GM 24-NA-080 and a blown fuse. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 24-NA-080Status unverified

    MIL on: check harness and replace the EGR valve

    2016–2019volt · NHTSA 11010577

    Check the wiring harness to rule it out, then replace the EGR valve for the MIL concern. The summary does not name a code.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0458The computer sees a low voltage on the EVAP purge control valve circuit

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2016-2018 Volt, P0489 and P0458 appear together in the records that trace them to one fuse.

  • P0443EVAP purge valve circuit fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P0443 appears with P0489 in the same Volt records.

All Turbocharging, fuel pressure and EGR codes

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 11632222 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11757544 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. GM 24-NA-080: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt, MIL on, replace the EGR valve — General Motors
  4. P0489 trouble code explanation — TroubleCodes.net
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11448862 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11681144 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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