Diagnostic code P0401 Insufficient EGR Flow
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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Thanks , I did remove the throttle body and the EGR valve at the same time, and cleaned it all out. I also replaced the gaskets. I don't have an air compresser to use the compressed air. I used a can of carb & choke cleaner with a straw to flush out all the particals. Total cost of the gaskets and the cleaner was less the $7.00. Total time was less than an hour. (Very easy)
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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BigA,
You're right on with this technique. Keep in mind, it'll probably have to be done again after 50,000 more miles on your truck for proper maintenance. Isn't it amazing the junk that accumulated in there? Makes perfect sense to clean it out, yet there's a lot of trucks that go without this cleanout. Mine were plugged solid, and spent way more time than you scraping, but the reward is great isn't it!!
You're right on with this technique. Keep in mind, it'll probably have to be done again after 50,000 more miles on your truck for proper maintenance. Isn't it amazing the junk that accumulated in there? Makes perfect sense to clean it out, yet there's a lot of trucks that go without this cleanout. Mine were plugged solid, and spent way more time than you scraping, but the reward is great isn't it!!
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
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WHen taking off the throttle body to clean out the egr ports there are 2 links the gas and then a black looking link...doe anybody know how to get that off as well as the big tube that is connected to the direct back of the tb...
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Originally Posted by dirtjb18
Does $51.00 sound right for a DPFE Sensor???
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
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I purchased one ford and it was 51 bucks....it was a black rectangle with 2 nipples for hoses and a electrical port....does that sound right???
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Hey guys,
As long as you select the Ford replacement part you should have good luck. When I replaced mine I believe I was told Ford redesigned it. I couldn't buy Ford's less expensive one of $51 because mine called for the more expensive $90 or so. And it was plastic. But no complaints. Maybe the aftermarket Autozone parts that are also plastic are not high temp plastic. Plastic is really OK as long as its Ford plastic.
As long as you select the Ford replacement part you should have good luck. When I replaced mine I believe I was told Ford redesigned it. I couldn't buy Ford's less expensive one of $51 because mine called for the more expensive $90 or so. And it was plastic. But no complaints. Maybe the aftermarket Autozone parts that are also plastic are not high temp plastic. Plastic is really OK as long as its Ford plastic.
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
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DPFE location on 97 Exp 5.0?
Trying to locate the rectangular DPFE module. It doesn't appear to be just behind the 5 stamped on top of the engine. Read in another post that it could be located somewhere else (fenderwell maybe) and even look different than the replacement I bought. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks.
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5
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Help
I have an '01 4.6 F150. I get the "low EGR flow" code often. I replaced the EGR valve, EGR pressure sensor, EGR cellanoid (please excuse any spelling errors. I am very angry), and have run about 5 bottles of cleaner thru the system. Now I am being told it could be an O2 sensor or the catalytic converter. Somebody please HELP I am tired of that infernal light!!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
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From: Chicago Area
If you haven't already, check that all vacuum hoses are intact and connected. I had that same infernal light and DTC for a long time and needed to pass emissions. I had a broken vacuum line. There are red and green hard plastic lines going into the intake tube which, if cracked, aren't easily seen.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
low EGR flow issue
Philco had it right. I tested every component in the EGR system on mine, and each part was working properly, yet the DTC told me otherwise. I cleaned the EGR port where it bolts up and the DTC returned every time. That was frustrating! Replacing parts like the DPFE without testing your old ones is just throwing money at the problem. So after much research, I found the root cause of this issue to be the carbon build up in the intake elbow at the other end of the EGR port, behind the Throttle body unit. Remove the throttle body and you will see two piles of black carbon build up. I removed the intake elbow (someone called it a gooseneck) and really cleaned them out with spray and a wire brush, then cleaned out the port leading to the EGR. solved the problem, and it was free. and it only took about an hour from start to finish. check it out. i have posted about this before, search for it.