i call B.S.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: central MN
i call B.S.
What do you guys think? I get CEL this week and go to the dealer to get it checked out. I have a code for insufficient egr flow. Tech says I need a new egr cooler for the tune of $2000 because it is plugged up. I ask him if there is something else wrong that would be causing it to plug up and he replies that there is debris in the cooling system and that is why it is plugged up. If the cooling system is plugged wouldn't the gas side still flow, just hotter. Does not make sense to me. I have put 400 miles on it since the visit and the cel has stayed off. Can I clean the egr valve or egr cooler instead of spending $2000? I have changed my coolant at 50k and 100k and now have 138k on the truck. Any ideas?
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
It could still flow if the PCM commanded the bypass valve fully open. However, the PCM is going to control that depending on the temperature feedback it receives. If you can get the codes the tech pulled (should be on your diagnostic receipt) I can look up the procedure they should have used to diagnose the codes and see if the recommended Ford procedures reach a replacement recommendation. I don't know much about the EGR, but in my simple mind, something that is plugged can be removed, un-plugged and re-installed without replacement. But, like I said, I don't much about the EGR.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 3
From: Altoona, Ia
The standard street tuner will not, but the 'unlocked' street tuner will and apparently SPE has a method of unlocking the standard street tuner. Or you would need to find one of the leftover original race tuners (pre-ban tuners). I'm sure there are a few left out there somewhere.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
This is what mine looked like after only 5,000 kM on the truck.
Best option is to get rid of it
Best option is to get rid of it
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: central MN
If I did the tuner route, could I turn off the egr or would I also have to delete it? My problem is that I have to deal with the DOT and also when I sell the truck it will need the egr on it. The unlocked tuner would run around $1300, right?
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Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
The diagnostics for P0401 are lengthy with most ending in an EGR Valve replacement, Bypass Valve, solenoid replacement or PCM issues. I didn't see one that ended with a full cooler replacement. Maybe they didn't want to go through the diagnostics procedures and just figured it would be easier to replace the entire assembly (and I'll bet more lucrative for them). EGR cooler cost is $855 per the book.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: central MN
Thats what I was figuring, What are the odds that I clean the egr valve this would go away? I have a hard time believing that the cooler itself is plugged and the whole coolant side being plugged I call B.S. I have a hard time trusting the mech.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 3
From: Altoona, Ia
You could either block off the Egr by removing the up pipe and inserting block off plates or you could remove the entire Egr system completely. I went with the block off plates for easy return to stock if needed. Unlocked tuner from SPE is $1400.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
It probably isn't plugged, there are alot of reasons that code gets thrown. Could be one of the valves, could have to do with the MAF sensor or simply an open harness connection. If they cleared the code and it hasn't come back I wouldn't worry about it unless it comes back. If it does I'd take it to another dealer and verify that they use the proper Ford approved diagnostic procedures.
When I've had work done in the past at the dealer they have always provided a detailed diagnostics procedures they followed, per the service manual, with associated codes and I've checked them via the service manual. They would give me this diagnostic trail so I could verify how the tech reached the recommended fix. If the dealer doesn't give you the same level of detail find one that does.
When I've had work done in the past at the dealer they have always provided a detailed diagnostics procedures they followed, per the service manual, with associated codes and I've checked them via the service manual. They would give me this diagnostic trail so I could verify how the tech reached the recommended fix. If the dealer doesn't give you the same level of detail find one that does.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
The $855 is just the assembly. I have no idea if it includes the valves. It wouldn't include the solenoid as that's a separate assembly I believe. The labor hours are 4.6. Most charge $85 to $100 per shop hour.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,975
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From: The Great State of Texas
Good Luck...