Check Engine Light Code 0401

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Sep 22, 2003 | 03:31 PM

alan35

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Check Engine Light Code 0401

I have been reading some of the responses regarding the Check Engine light code 0401. I have replaced the EGR valve already.

The check engine light comes back on after driving about 25 miles.
I guess the question I am asking is will the DPFE sensor fix the problem. I can get the sensor from the dealer and pay $75 dollars or let them diagnose the problem and really pay through my nose.

Thanks
Alan

Sep 22, 2003 | 05:01 PM

droptop

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Check Engine Light Code 0401

Did you try clearing the code by disconnecting the battery for about 30 minutes? Try that first if you still get a 0401 code it is more than likely a DPFE issue. There is a really good section on codes in the 3.0 L forum under 3.0L V6 Technical Info & Tips. Here's the link to the PDF on trouble codes that Rockledge has posted. I'd see if the code returns and if it does, go ahead and get the part for $75. If you let them diagnose it and replace the part, you're looking at around +/- $200 for a 3 minute fix. It's an easy do-it-yourself fix.

Diagnostic trouble code descriptions

Last edited by droptop; Sep 22, 2003 at 05:03 PM.

Sep 23, 2003 | 05:11 PM

diggbrd

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Check Engine Light Code 0401

Quote:

Originally posted by alan35
I have been reading some of the responses regarding the Check Engine light code 0401. I have replaced the EGR valve already.

The check engine light comes back on after driving about 25 miles.
I guess the question I am asking is will the DPFE sensor fix the problem. I can get the sensor from the dealer and pay $75 dollars or let them diagnose the problem and really pay through my nose.

Thanks
Alan

I recently had the same problem with my '96 ranger XL 2wd.

Check engine light comes on for a po401 code. My mechanic tested the EGR and it was working fine. Reset code. Two hours later engine light back on.

Did this twice.

Mechanic started doing a test on the engine (104 steps). he got to step number 76 (i think) before he found the problem. DPFE sensor.

I had him change the sensor out and it has been fine for the past 5 days. I think the problem has gone away. ;-)

Digger

Sep 24, 2003 | 10:55 AM

jt-stl

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From: St. Louis

Check Engine Light Code 0401

I went through the same thing. I cleaned out the egr passage, then I replaced the egr, no luck. Then I finally figured out it was the dpfe sensor. You could see that the sensor on my truck was plugged up where the inlet and outlet tubes are. I replaced it and got rid of the problem. I got the sensor from auto zone for 60.

Sep 24, 2003 | 07:12 PM

99Ranger43k

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Check Engine Light Code 0401

Alan,
I had the same problem and thankfully followed what I read
about the DPFE sensor from this website!
It's an easy fix (5 min. max). I got the part at autozone for
59.99 plus tax. A dealer will just rake you over the coals.
Good Luck!

Sep 30, 2003 | 06:46 PM

alan35

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I want to thank all who have responded. I have replaced the DPFE sensor for the p0401 Engine code. I bought it at Autozone and was indeed 59.99. So far so good.

Alan35

Nov 30, 2003 | 10:20 PM

172pilot

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Dumb Question - What is DPFE?

OK.. I have a 0401 code (EGR flow) on my '97 Explorer, and one year ago had the EGR valve and tube replaced. Code went away for a while, but is back now.

What is this DPFE everyone is buying at AutoZone?! I bet that's what I need too, now I just need to figure out what it is and where it goes!!!!!

Thanks in advance!
-Steve

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Dec 1, 2003 | 11:39 AM

172pilot

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Thanks for the link. It makes more sense now. Now, all I have to do is wait to see if the code returns, and if so, do some of this testing! My car "knows" I'm more prepared to deal with it today - I reset the code last night before going to bed, and then drove 200 highway miles to work this morning, and it hasn't returned! Maybe it was just a fluke afterall!! :-)

Thanks!

Dec 1, 2003 | 06:39 PM

#10

alan35

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On my 2000 Ford Ranger XLT truck, the DPFE sensor is right on the intake manifold. 2 screws hold it on. There are 2 rubber hoses going to it and the sensor cable. The sensor is metal and the corrosion builds up inside. Cannot be cleaned out. I replaced the sensor and left the battery cable off for 1/2 hour. The check engine light has never returned. Auto Zone sell it for 59.99.

Hope this helps.

Alan Fischer

Dec 1, 2003 | 07:02 PM

#11

01RangerSC

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For certain vehicles, Ford has extended the warranty coverage on the DPFE sensor, so before you blast all the dealers for "raking you over the coals", you should call them and see if it applies to your vehicle. Might just save you $60

VEHICLES COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM

Certain 2000 and 2001 model year vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted EGR Pressure Sensor (9J460). Refer to OASIS for specific vehicle eligibility.

TIME AND MILEAGE LIMITS

Warranty Type
Current Warranty Coverage
Total (9J460) Warranty Coverage

Federal
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 years/60,000 Miles

California Emissions*
3 Years/50,000 Miles
5 Years/74,000 Miles

Lincoln
4 Years/50,000 Miles
6 Years/74,000 Miles

* California emissions include vehicles certified for sale in California and registered in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont.

Dec 9, 2003 | 11:36 AM

#12

billmayo

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I have the same problem but having a hard time getting part .. do any of you have the part number for this . I have a 1996 Mazda B4000 . I have not been able to find a part place that knows what the DPFE is .. would help if I could give them a part number .thanks

Dec 9, 2003 | 07:12 PM

#13

ol yeller

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My son has 89 that the engine light kept coming on. He bought the reader from walmart of all places. Used it and it gave the code and used the book with it and fixed the problem. We had just changed out the engine so had a few different #s show up. The temp indicater sending unit was one of them and so was the altenator wiring hookup.

Good luck

Ol yeller

66 f100(yellow) woking on

Dec 22, 2003 | 10:42 PM

#14

mpleon

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Hey all-similar problems on my 4.0L 98 XLT Ranger. We'll see if I can get a part tomorrow, after I recheck everything...

WoW, FTE ROCKS!

THanks guys. This is awesome.