Hi,

I fitted a solid EGR blanking plate to my Focus 2.0L TDCI 2005 two days ago, the car seems to run better but on a short drive yesterday the engine light came on, checked with Forscan and the code was P0490, which looking on line means electrical problem. Will it cause the cars computer to have more problems, does anyone have advice please?

Blanking EGR isn't generally recommended on modern cars (post 2000ish).

P0490 can be caused by a sticky EGR valve, it takes more voltage to move than it should, and the ECU detects that to flag the code.  That code isn't generally going to be stopped by an EGR blank.  Either needs the EGR cleaned, or a new one fitted, or have it mapped out so that it doesn't trigger the EML again.

I only got the code P0490 after fitting the blanking plate, I fitted it because I was having an hesitation at about 1800rpm, which is seems to have been cured but now have the code, didn't have this code before and wondered if the plate is doing more damage than good.

Yes.  The ECU will detect that there's too much air going through the MAF, meaning that the EGR appears not to be open, so it will then try to keep pulling the EGR solenoid, even when it is fully open.

If you really want to blank it, it needs to be mapped out.

can a remap be done via OBD port or is it an expensive job

3 minutes ago, Bear2 said:

can a remap be done via OBD port or is it an expensive job

Yes, it can be done via the OBD port.  Cost around £50 for just the EGR delete.  Or around £150 if you have a power increase at the same time.

The EGR valve is there to reduce NOx which is bad for human health and the environment.  Removing it is technically illegal and an MOT fail.  Although the chances of getting found out are low.

I've taken it out now and might just buy a new valve but looks awkward to remove.

Thanks for your Help