Hi all,

This is on my 1997 Ranger V6 4.0, 5spd, ext cab, 2wd . . .

Well, my truck threw 3 codes at me a few weeks ago. The first 2 were misfires on 2 of the cylinders, and the third code was a bad reading at the EGR Valve. It was running terrible!

I replaced the plugs and wires, and it seemed to fix everything. It runs great and gets me 20mpg consistently. Unfortunately, after I reset the CEL, it came back on a few days later saying it still had a bad EGR Valve. It looks like I'll have to replace it now.

Replacing the EGR valve doesn't look too difficult . . . fairly straightforward replacement, but I really don't want to screw this up, especially because my truck has to pass emissions this month.

Is there any advice that you guys can give me? The old EGR looks pretty rusty on there and I don't want to break anything . . .

Thanks everyone,

Joe

 

Post the code/s that cause you to think the EGR valve is bad, they rarely are, it's usually the DPFE sensor, vacuum switching valve, or leaking vacuum lines to the EGR system.

 

Thanks!

I'll pull the code tomorrow morning and try to post it around mid-day.

Thanks so much!

 

Also once you determine which parts are actually the problem, I think everyone here can agree, you should use Motorcraft replacement parts. Reports of people using something else only to have the exact same problem return are all too common.

 

FYI, my Ranger throws an EGR code about once a year and it's always been the DPFE sensor (which is extremely) simple to replace. Auto Zone says my DPFE sensor should not go bad every year and I probably have a computer malfunction. Also, they said when my sensor and egr are unplugged my engine should run rough and it doesn't...purrs like a kitten?? Any help there would be helpful to me...thanks

 

Here's the true test . . .

I'm taking my Ranger in for an emissions test today. Let's hope it passes!!!!

 

Overall Test Result: FAIL!!

I sort of expected that though.

Apparently its the law that you can't pass emissions with this code on your vehicle:

"P0401 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected"

The inspector told me that it was probably the DPFE sensor and not the EGR Valve. Hopefully this will fix it.

I'll keep you guys updated . . .

 

OK, so I called Autozone and they had no idea what the DPFE sensor was . . . frustrating!!

I did some research and found that it stands for Differential Pressure Feedback EGR. The guy said that I was probably looking for what their computer system called an "EGR Control Solenoid" and it was $27.99.

Is this the part I'm looking for? Is there a specific brand of part I should look for? Should I buy this from the dealer, or would it be okay to get it at Advance, AZ or Pep Boys?

Thanks, everybody!

-Joe

 

You don't want the solenoid.

Ask for the "EGR Valve Pressure Sensor" and that should get you the right part (DPFE).

 

Yup Joe is right, your looking for the EGR differential pressure sensor & it should look like these pictures by Rockledge. BTW have you tested the DPFE sensor & know if it's bad????
If not, there is a test in this thread to check it out.
Diagnosing DPFE Sensor (P0401 and P0402) with Scan Tool - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

 

Pawpaw,

That is a great link! Thank you for that.

My only problem is that I don't have a scanner to try and figure out whether I have one volt or 5 volts going into my DPFE sensor. Is there any way that I can test my DPFE sensor without a scanner?

 

Well if you have a high impedance multimeter, you could back probe it's electrical connector.

 

yeah i had a similar problem with mine... but i agree with KhanTyranitar, if you're gonna replace parts you might as well go with motorcraft. i have buddies who have replaced parts with third party stuff and they end up failing... who wants to do work twice? i sure as hell don't. just a suggestion