P2426
EGR Cooling Valve Control Circuit Low
EGR / emissions
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2426 means the ECM has detected low voltage (typically a short to ground or an open) on the control circuit for the EGR cooling valve — the valve that routes exhaust gas through the EGR cooler. It's primarily an emissions-control fault, so the car usually drives normally. The common causes are a failed valve solenoid or a wiring/connector problem.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — this is mainly an emissions control fault, though prolonged EGR cooling problems can raise combustion temperatures over time.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Often no noticeable change in how the car drives
- Possible increase in NOx emissions
- May fail an emissions test
Common causes
Most likely first
- Failed EGR cooling (cooler bypass) valve solenoidLikely
- Short to ground or open in the control wiringCommon
- Corroded or loose valve connectorCommon
- Poor ground or chafed harness at the valveLess often
- Faulty ECM driver (less common)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check for related EGR codes.
- Inspect the EGR cooling valve connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or a short to ground.
- Measure the valve solenoid's resistance and compare to spec.
- Check the control wiring for a short to ground or open back to the ECM.
- If wiring is good but the solenoid is out of spec, replace the EGR cooling valve. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2426?+
It's usually fine for short-term driving since this is an emissions-control circuit. But EGR cooling affects combustion temperatures, so have it repaired before long or heavy-load trips.
Can I just clear P2426?+
You can, but this is a circuit fault — it returns until the cooling valve solenoid or its wiring is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P2426
Read & clear P2426 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX