99 F150 5.4L EGR code/intermittent hesitation

[nred6942]

Truck has 179,000 miles on original motor. Started hesitating intermittently a week ago and threw an EGR code yesterday. Removed EGR and cleaned/lubricated until inner rod functioning again. Reinstalled=unchanged. Unsure if I should replace EGR ($136) or look at the EGR control valve/selanoid. I tried troubleshooting by running it with and without the vacum line hooked up to the EGR=no change. Vacum seems real weak between the EGR control valve and EGR unit~1-2 lbs?

[projectSHO89]

Plug your fault code into the SEARCH tool.

[KingRanchMan02]

Welcome to FTE nred6942! EGR valves on these truck are not a common problem. Like project says, used the search feature on the tool bar above and search this forum for the DTC. Good luck!

[jdw993]

Pull the throttle body and clean the 2 EGR ports on the inside. They are probably clogged full of carbon. You will need a small stiff brush or wire and some throttle body cleaner. I did it yesterday after work, took about and hour start to finish. DONT DROP THE BOLTS, you will not get them back.

My truck runs better that it has in about 50k miles. and I have 235K on my 99 4.6

[nred6942]

Thanks to help from this website, my problem is solved for now! I attempted to clean the original metal differential pressure feedback EGR sensor but the two outlet tubes were very corroded and basically flaked and crumbled in my hands after removing the vacuum hoses. The two tubes were very clogged but I was unable to clean them due to the weakness of the actual metal. I went to Autozone and purchased a new aftermarket "plastic" one, put it on and no more hesitation or code. Thanks for the help and happy 4th of July! Nate.