Error code P0401

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Feb 26, 2003 | 06:00 PM

mweeps

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Error code P0401

Just had codes pulled and only one was P0401, insufficient EGR flow. Has anyone decarbonized theirs? It is recommended to be done every 60000 miles. How do you do it and is it difficult? Replacement if cleaning doesn't help would be $44 from Auotzone and has to be ordered.

Feb 26, 2003 | 11:02 PM

borderpatrolExpy

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From: Houston

Error code P0401

Probably the PFE sensor, not the EGR valve. You can test the valve with a vacuum pump (usually available to "borrow" from a car parts place). Pull a vacuum on the EGR valve where the vacuum line is attached. If the truck stumbles/dies, then the EGR valve is good. On my Expedition, I changed the sensor, regulator AND the valve, and still had the light. I traced the hard plastic vacuum lines and found them broken off at a connector. Other than that, it's usually the PFE sensor.

Feb 26, 2003 | 11:23 PM

greystreak92

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From: Gateway to the West

Error code P0401

To add to what borderpatrol said, you can clean a dirty (semi-operational or non-moving) EGR valve. Carbon build-up can cause problems that will confuse the sensors. Low flow requires 1) checking the valve for movement as described aready and 2) cleaning the carbon deposits carfully from inside the valve. I have always used a small screwdriver (carefully so as not to damage the valve or its sealing surfaces) to scrape away carbon from the insides of it. Its a plunger and seat type valve, vacuum actuated, and electronically monitored so vacuum leaks like the ones described can also wreak havoc on the EGR.

Feb 27, 2003 | 10:51 PM

mweeps

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Error code P0401

Anyone know where to get the plastic vacuum lines(obviously from Ford)? Cold weather I broke the one coming off the EGR valve. Could I put a piece of rubber hose over it to sleeve it as a cheap fix? EGR valve is $44 from Autozone. Still I am going to try and clean it. Also, will the light go off or will it need to be cleared once it is fixed?

Feb 28, 2003 | 12:52 AM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

Error code P0401

You can buy the hard tubing by the foot from Ford or parts stores, but rubber vacuum line is just as good.

Feb 28, 2003 | 04:23 PM

borderpatrolExpy

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From: Houston

Error code P0401

Quote:

Originally posted by mweeps
Anyone know where to get the plastic vacuum lines(obviously from Ford)? Cold weather I broke the one coming off the EGR valve. Could I put a piece of rubber hose over it to sleeve it as a cheap fix? EGR valve is $44 from Autozone. Still I am going to try and clean it. Also, will the light go off or will it need to be cleared once it is fixed?

Did you test the EGR? May not be your problem, as I stated above. I would just sleeve the tubing with vacuum or fuel line.

Mar 3, 2003 | 02:52 PM

mweeps

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Error code P0401

Put rubber hose to sleeeve line and gasket to replace when I clean EGR. Weather is horrible right now so I haven't had a chance to do anything about it. PFE is issue with Modular engines I see but is it with Windsor Engines?