I need help with my 2000 Ranger tossing an EGR flow code. Any ideas what is the 'typical' cause for this? The check engine light is on constant, even when cold started. Truck only has just under 57K miles on it and I find it rather unusual for this to be happening. Engine is the V6 3.0L Flex Fuel.

 

could be the DPFE sensor

 

I was thinking that because my 94 4 banger did that too, but I ended up replacing O2 sensor, DPFE, MAP, EGR, and even a fuel pump at the same time. Where is the DPFE on this truck? I followed the vacuum lines from the EGR to the sensor mounted on the driver side wheel well, but this thing looks different than the 94's so I am not sure what all it is.

 

BAH! and look what I find as I kept researching:

MSN Autos states for the 2000 Ford Ranger:
An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) Sensor. The cost to repair the DPFE Sensor is estimated at $86.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

 

The DPFE sensor sits at the top of the engine with 2 black hoses and a wire harness plug coming out of it. I got mine at NAPA and replaced it myself for a whole lot less than 118.00. The factory one was made of metal but the replacement is black plastic.

 

So if it says EGR problem it could really be the DPFE sensor? Could this be why I've replaced 2 EGR valves in the last 6 months and the light still won't go off except when I have it reset? If not, anyone know how to take the bulb out of the check engine light?

Thx for any help.

 

The DPFE is the most common cause of an EGR code, replace it.

 

Thanks for the info Ken00, I will certainly replace it, that little yellow light is very annoying and un-nerving when you drive long distances a lot like I do.

 

OK, now I am getting frustrated. I replaced the Sensor, $25 @ Autozone (thanks Arcade for telling where it was, never would have seen it back there! Mine wasn't metal though, it was plastic. Had to remove a metal plate off the old one to mount the new one. Only one bolt is used to mount it, I think the plate is just a stabilizer so it doesnt spin around on the one bolt.). I reset the code, drove for a few miles, clink! on comes the light again! So what next? I checked the EGR valve with a vaccuum pump and it is perfectly okay. My eyes keep falling to a contraption that looks similar to the DPFE sensor and it is on the driver side wheel well of the engine compartment, the vaccuum lines connect it to the DPFE sensor. It has two large fuel line type hoses, one smaller vaccuum hose, the two prong wiring harness, AND this valve on it with a tag that reads 'service clean out, use 1 PSI only.' What is this part? The cross reference part # in the Wells manual is PV232 or PV233. The 'check engine' light is always on even at cold start, does not wait for the truck to warm up or anything. Is there any 'tricks' to checking O2 sensors?

 

That doesn't sounds like the DPFE sensor, they are located on the front of the upper intake manifold, two bolts, two hoses and one electrical connector, nothing is reused.

 

Ever have that moment where you wish someone would just tattoo 'idiot' on your forehead? I had replaced the DPFE in both a 93 Topaz and the 94 Ranger I had and if I had had any sense the last few days I would have remembered what it looked like. That part I replaced was a EGR Vaccuum Solenoid, it mounts on the backside of the intake. What happened was I finally broke down and went to a dealer since no one knew what a DPFE Sensor was and I was getting frustrated. At first even the parts guy brought me the solenoid and I told him "no, thats not it." When he came back he had exactly what I needed, a somewhat flat looking box with two connections for fuel line type hoses and a 3 prong connector. Mounts on the front face of the intake, you see it right when you open the hood right in front of you. (My apologies Ken, you were right, original was metal, new one was plastic, and FYI, gotta remember which hose was whick since they relocate the two connections to the front instead of one in back and one to the front) So far the light has not come back on. Oh, btw---took that other part back off and took it back to Autozone.

And, just for anyone else that faces this in the future, DPFE Sensor is called an "EGR Vaccuum Pressure Sensor" at Autozone and other aftermarket part stores. Will run you about $60. Code was P401 if I remember correctly. (2000 Ford Ranger XLT, 3.0L V6 Flex Fuel....may be the same for all engines or at least the V6's, both 4.0, 3.0, and 3.0 Flex)

 

LOL, Glad to hear the light is off!!!