Hi, 2001 Expedition 4.6L owner having Insufficient EGR Flow Issues. Cleaned ports/ and EGR valve thoroughly. I have searched threads here and don't know what a DPFE sensor is and where. I see the EGR solenoid and the valve. What and where is this sensor? Thanks any advice or guidance gretaly appreciated.

 

The DPFE is part of the emmissions system and is known to go bad(at least on ford cars).

On my car when it goes bad it thrown the CEL and a slight bucking can be felt between 2-3G RPM's and when it goes the MPG drops like a rock and the car has no power.

Sorry I don't know where it is located on your Expedition, but a ford tech did tell me at one point that they should sell the cars with a spare DPFE in the glove box

 

The DPFE sensor is located on the driver side. It is hard to see but if you follow the tube off of the egr valve down to the manifold there will be two smaller tubes coming straight up with two rubber hoses on it with a small black plastic box on top. That is your DPFE Sensor. 30.00 list price from Ford. It is kinda hard to see but if you follow the egr tube you will find it. I would also call a Ford Service Dept if you are having problems with any emission parts which your EGR system is part of it. They are suppose to warranty your emissions for 10 years or 100,000 miles! Federal Law!

 

> don't know what a DPFE sensor is and where.

Differential Pressure Feedback Exhaust

> What and where is this sensor?

It depends on the car or truck, many times it is found on top of the EGR valve. On say, a Bronco II, it is on the EGR valve at the front of the engine.

Usually black plastic and two to three wires on a Ford. They usually go bad where you can not see or clean it and the only real way to tell is to test it with a scanner, scope, and/or volt meter. Many Ford dealers have dedicated DPFE, MAP, MAF, TFI testers.

If the computer says it is bad, it usually is.

Here is a link that you might find interesting

http://autolabscopediagnostics.com/dpfe.htm

 

Thank you for the replies, your advice is so helpful, keep it coming. Thanks

 

Thanks for the advice. I located and removed the DPFE sensor and opened it up.(Don't recommend) Reinstalled and 45 miles later my code was back. But it took 45 miles this time as opposed to 10 miles on previous attempts. And the reason it came back on was because the sensor vaccum port broke off.(It is a sealed unit and shouldn't be tampered with)
I purchased a new sensor from the dealer, who had 18 in stock. That should tell you something! My guess is my tampering with the old sensor corrected the problem temporarily until the sensor fell apart.
I installed the new sensor and will keep you posted. Thanks again.

 

Make sure you disconnect your battery for 10 minutes so that the PCM has a chance to completely reset.

 

Ford actually had a recall on those sensors on alot of vehicles for a while.

 

I've had the Service engine light on for months now. Cleaned all kinds of things hoping to get it to go off with no luck. Finally found this Thread and replaced the DPFE Sensor in about 10 minutes. Reset the computer and voila, no more light! Got the part at Advance Auto for about $55. Depending on who you talk to about it, they may call it the EGR Sensor in their system. Just make sure they open the box and show you what you're getting. For a 99 Expy, mine was Sliver with a plug in the side and two hoses coming in and out of the bottom.
It was located right on top of the engine and very simple to replace. You never realize how much a light on your dash annoys you until it's gone.
Thanks to all for the great info!