EGR valve
 

On a 99 f-150 with a 4.6L i think i no where the egr valve is but not sure. Can someone tell me for sure where it is..... Thanks

Left side, rear, on the intake manifold. Look for the metal "pipe" covered with insulation that attaches to it.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...s/EGRValve.jpg

Take the plastic cover off the top of the engine and its the round saucer at the back on the driverside. What kind off problems are you having?

EGR valves seldom fail.

If AutoZone told you it was bad, start over with your diagnostics before you waste your time and money.

Steve

My girl friends truck is throwing a (p0401 i think) gas recirculation code at 121000 miles, so i figured i would pull it off and clean it and start there...

Most likely, it's either a bad DPFE sensor or clogged intake ports, or both.

Steve

I just wanted to say thanks for the help, i cleaned the egr valve and the ports and its running great now.

So I didn't read this post before going to Autozone and I replaced the old EGR valve with a new one. I then reset the idiot light (unhooked battery) and for half a day it stayed off then later that night it came back on. I just about punched the insterment panel. But I should have known since you all gave me fore warning.

So where do I go from here. Is there something to do with the DPFE? Do I need to through more carb cleaner in the EGR system?

Is there something, anything, to clear this out? Stinking AutoZone :rolleyes: for making me do this. Just kidding it isn't neccasarily autozone's fault.

What code do you have? Can't do anything but guess at your problem without it. Then you will be throwing more parts at it. Gets expensive. :-wink

If you have the same code i did getin your parts from autozone could be your problem....

Simple test: Unhook the vacuum line from the EGR valve and connect a short piece of hose to the EGR valve port. Run engine at an idle and suck on the vacuum line. If the EGR valve is functional AND the ports are clear (enough), the engine will stumble or even stall and your "Insufficient Flow" code is most likely due to the DPFE sensor. If it doesn't change, remove the throttle body and clean the EGR ports.

Ford's DPFE sensors from a couple of years ago were crap and failed enough to have gotten an extended warranty for certain years. Tech pubs simply told the tech to replace the sensor automatically in the event of certain codes, TEHN test for proper operation.

The new-style DPFE sensors from Ford are made of plastic and are much improved. I highly recommend using ONLY the new Ford design instead of an aftermarket device, at least until it is determined whose sensors Ford is buying as replacement parts. Once that happens, I'll add that brand to my recommended list.

Steve

what's a DPFE and does my truck have one?

Thanks projectSHO89 and RanchMan for all your help so far.

I will try your trick of putting a hose on the EGR valve and sucking on it and see if that does what you explained it should do.


As for the spacific codes, I do not know since they at Auto Zone just said the read out was EGR Valve. I did see that on the computer too but didn't pay enought attention to the specific code numbers. Sorry!!! Lesson learned!

DPFE = Differential Pressure Feedback EGR Sensor,

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ups/99DPFE.gif

thanks guys!! I love this place.

I just spend a couple days with this
 

I just spent a couple of days figuring my P0401 code out. I learned more than I wanted to know about this system. I have taken some photos and put together a slide show about how I troubleshot my system, this may help others. I am not a certified Auto Mechanic, nor do I work for Ford, etc. If I made a mistake, please let me know and I will correct.




http://home.coastalnow.net/~a64armt...0401/Slide1.JPG

http://home.coastalnow.net/~a64armt...0401/Slide2.JPG

http://home.coastalnow.net/~a64armt...0401/Slide3.JPG

http://home.coastalnow.net/~a64armt...0401/Slide4.JPG

http://home.coastalnow.net/~a64armt...0401/Slide5.JPG

On a 97 Ford Ranger..Can someone tell me for sure where the EGR valve is?..thanks

You can thank the EPA for EGR. Ford uses the DPFE to monitor the EGR valve. It reports to the ECM about the "flow" through the EGR. If the EGR ports are clogged with tar and soot(no EGR flow) the EGR could be OK, but the DPFE is still going to tell the ECM it is bad. You need to check the ports to be sure they are clean. If they're clean the EGR or DPFE could be faulty. The DPFE could erroneously report a fault(false postive) or the EGR could actually be defective. The other thing is the vacuum solenoid and vacuum line from it to the EGR value. You can eliminate all these problems if you're out of warranty by bypassing the EGR. Disconnect the tube from the bung on the exh man. Block off the bung. Now the exhaust goes out the exhaust and when the ECM commands the EGR to flow it pulls in fresh air. You can even stuff some K&N filter material up into the tube as a filter if you want. You will never get P0401 again.