OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P044C EGR Sensor C Circuit Low
EGR sensor C below lower plausibility — short to ground. EGR mixes inert exhaust into intake to lower combustion peak temperature — too little raises NOx, too much causes misfires and rough running.
Is it safe to drive with P044C?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyShort to ground
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelyHarness chafing through insulation
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Pinging or knocking under load
- Power loss and hesitation
- Possible rough idle
- Failed emissions inspection (NOx)
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–2.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- Parts involved
- Egr Valve
Related codes
- P0407EGR Sensor B Circuit Low
- P044AEGR Sensor C Circuit
- P2382EGR Sensor D Circuit Low
- P2387EGR Sensor E Circuit Low
- P0449Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction
- P044BEGR Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
- P044DEGR Sensor C Circuit High
- P044EEGR Sensor C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P044FSecondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit High
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.