1999- e250 4.2l, code 0401- EGR fault

[injun_ear]

Hi there. Hope you can help. As stated in the title I have an Service engine soon light on and the 0401 code.

I've read that this fault is primarily caused by the EGR Pressure Sensor, and not the EGR valve.

Perhaps, but I've had this van for nearly 4 years now and this is the first time I've taken the cover off inside the cab to gain access to the engine.

To make a long story short, I cannot locate/see the EGR valve let alone the Pressure Sensor......

Is it on the drivers side (left side of engine) or the Passenger side?

How is it best to see/gain access (from cab, or beneath the truck via wheel well, etc)....?

I'm getting on in age and am looking to minimize my crawling around and hunting for parts......

Thanks again

[BrianA]

Can't remember for certain on the '99 but look on the driver's side, near the front - near the power steering fluid tank.

I'm assuming you know what you are looking for (no offense, just want to check).

I would do a very careful check of all vacuum lines and hoses going to or near the EGR hardware.
Seems that often the problem is related to a cracked, loose, or otherwise leaking vacuum line.

Best of luck. Thanks for posting and let us know what you find.

[injun_ear]

Originally Posted by BrianA

Can't remember for certain on the '99 but look on the driver's side, near the front - near the power steering fluid tank.

I'm assuming you know what you are looking for (no offense, just want to check).

I would do a very careful check of all vacuum lines and hoses going to or near the EGR hardware.
Seems that often the problem is related to a cracked, loose, or otherwise leaking vacuum line.

Best of luck. Thanks for posting and let us know what you find.

Thanks for the "luck".....lol

Well, its view is obstructed by the air cleaner/filter housing (egr). It's dead center on the engine.

The DPFE is located in a far worse place....it's on a bracket behind the alternator, some wiring harness's, and a heater hose are directly in front of, and of course interfere with its removal!

Not too easy to get at but I replaced it today. It took about 2~3 hours to get the old one out, and another 2~3 hours to get the new one in!

Yes, it only has a couple of vacuum hoses and two nuts and a one electrical connector but it's freek'n buried!

If you don't have a pair of long, very long (12"+) forceps then don't bother trying to do this job as you'll never get the hoses on/off......

[BrianA]

Sounds like you didn't need any help from me.

Good work - sounds like it was a hassle.

Did it solve your problem?

[injun_ear]

Originally Posted by BrianA

Sounds like you didn't need any help from me.

Good work - sounds like it was a hassle.

Did it solve your problem?

Yep, it sure did.....Must've gone bad over time because the truck accelerates much better now. Didn't notice anything wrong until the CEL came on.

The computer was probably holding the EGR full open since the sensor was "seeing" low flow (P0401).