OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P23E3 EGR C Control Circuit Low
Same as P23E1 with the control line shorted 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 P23E3?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyControl line shorted 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
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–3 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- Parts involved
- Egr Valve C
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.