Another DPFE --- 0401 Code --- What haven't I troubleshot yet?

[mh34444]

I know this is a truck board, but I can't find a reliable board for a question about my Escort. DPFE problems seem to be problems across all the vehicle platforms, so here it goes.

I've gone thru 4 DPFE sensors in the past 2 years, it would be more but I just let the engine light stay on until I notice a change in fuel mileage. After a new DPFE sensor is put on I get around 3000 miles before it goes belly up again. It always gives me the 0401 code (insufficient flow detected) and always shows stuck at high voltage when it goes bad. I've tried 3 different manufactures (motorcraft twice) and the result is always the same. I have cleaned the exhaust tube, the egr ports and replaced the EGR valve even though it tested fine. There were no carbon deposits in any of them. I've replaced both rubber inlet and outlet hoses on the sensor, neither of which had any cracking on them. I took it to a shop once, only to get told what I already knew, "the DPFE is bad."

What am I missing? I've resorted to making the swap part of my oil change routine. Spending the $60 on a new sensor every time has so far been cheaper than bringing it to a shop again.