2012 BMW x5 35d - P0403 Permanent Code (in OBD computer)
 

Hey guys, I have a 2012 35d with an EGR 'permanent' code in the OBD computer that wont go away.

I can't seem to clear a P0403 (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit) Permanent code in the OBD computer that results in a failed Smog check here in California. I purchased the X5 like this and it might have had some repairs done to the EGR system previously (not sure thought, since no service records were provided). I drove over 1000 miles and all OBD monitors cleared, even the EGR monitor (which took the longest to set), however the P0403 code is still showing up as 'Permanent' code in the OBD computer.

I did some research about this issue and most forums state that if the OBD ecu senses no issues with the system and it clears that specific monitor, then the 'permanent' code should go away on it own. However, after the EGR readiness monitor finally set the 'permanent' code has not cleared. Also, no check engine light is triggered in the engine ECU, which makes me think that there isn't any issue with the EGR that is being registered. Can this 'permanent' code in the OBD computer be cleared somehow with a dealer's scanner/computer? I tried using my Foxwell scanner but it hasn't worked.

Any thoughts on what I could do to get this code to go away? I looked at the EGR wiring & connector and both seem to be fine. As a next step, I was thinking of getting another used EGR valve just to test if it might be the unit itself, I just don't want to throw money at it, if it's not broken.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Al

That second image looks like it will pass CA smog, no?


No cel, no codes, all readiness set. Done.

That's the weird issue that I don't understand. The OBD's readiness monitors have cleared, no CELs in the engine ECU, but there is still a permanent code in the OBD ECU that did not go away after the last readiness monitor (EGR Control) cleared.. Before the readiness monitors showed 8 complete, 1 incomplete (EGR). Now all 9 are complete but the permanent code is still present in the OBD, which is the reason the Smog station failed the test.

Apparently, in California, a rule was implemented in 2019 that if you have a 'permanent' code in the OBD computer, the smog test software automatically fails the vehicle..