wifes windstar
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From: cincinnati hamilton
wifes windstar
hey guys, my wife's windstar engine light came on last week at start up, and is on all the time now when driving. i checked the usual, gas cap tight, bad gas stuff. still get the light right away on start up. checked it at auto zone with their portable diagnostic tool. it read code P1401, they sais it was an egr problem, output too high? suggested replacing sensor,in egr regulator. they showed be a black plastic part off the shelf that didn't look familiar. we looked on the engine ( 1999,3.8 v-6)and could not find one. i found the egr valve bolted onto block, followed the vacume lines to a bright silver gadget the book says is a dpfe sensor....could that be the culprit? the dealer want $99.00 to diagnose. seems high. any ideas? 
rick
rick
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
google Ford P1401 and dpfe sensor, it's all there.
$99 is about what most of the FoMoCo dealers charge for a diagnose, call around to other dealers, required to give you estimate before repair and have to stick with the estimate or call you to do additional work, have to return all replaced parts to you if requested, most customers don't but helps to keep the shops and mechanics honest.
if you have emissions testing with required repair in your area, find the top gun emissions repair shop and take it to them, usually less costly than dealer and usually know more about particular models and failures. may save you on parts cost also.
also, warrentee service work comes first at dealer, all others to end of line.
$99 is about what most of the FoMoCo dealers charge for a diagnose, call around to other dealers, required to give you estimate before repair and have to stick with the estimate or call you to do additional work, have to return all replaced parts to you if requested, most customers don't but helps to keep the shops and mechanics honest.
if you have emissions testing with required repair in your area, find the top gun emissions repair shop and take it to them, usually less costly than dealer and usually know more about particular models and failures. may save you on parts cost also.
also, warrentee service work comes first at dealer, all others to end of line.
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Oct 10, 2005 at 07:58 PM.
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From: Mitchell, SD
I would first try cleaning the passeges for the EGR. They tend to get clogged with crud over time and will trip an EGR related mil. The DPFE rarely goes out, so I am betting that is your problem. Pick up a can or two of Berrymans B-12 and some pipe cleaners and get to cleaning.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
I guess it depends on where you're at but where I am we replace tons of DPFE sensors. On a 3.8 it should be bolted to the intake manifold, above the valve cover, on the throttle body end of the manifold. Follow the pipe that goes from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. Off that there are 2 small hoses that run up to the DPFE.
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From: Mitchell, SD
Originally Posted by Racerguy
I guess it depends on where you're at but where I am we replace tons of DPFE sensors. On a 3.8 it should be bolted to the intake manifold, above the valve cover, on the throttle body end of the manifold. Follow the pipe that goes from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. Off that there are 2 small hoses that run up to the DPFE.
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From: cincinnati hamilton
you were right about the cost of a dpfe sensor nighthawk!, 100$ at the dealer. i called auto zone, but they did not carry it. said it was a dealer part.i may take egr valve off this weekend and clean it as recommended. guess i'll need a replace,ment gasket to re-install? the goggle search of P1410 dpfe was great 4wdr! lots of info out there. thanks for the tip. i found some articles that said most dpfe sensors fail because of water getting into them, because of poor design. they indicated ford redesigned the replacement part. anywhere else to get one vs the dealer? thanks rick (keeping the wife happy)
rick (keeping the wife happy)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
you may still be covered by Ford emissions systems warranty, check with Ford or your owners manual. code is emissions system failure.
also search whole FTE forum for low cost or affordable DPFE, lower cost sources listed
also search whole FTE forum for low cost or affordable DPFE, lower cost sources listed
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From: Mitchell, SD
Originally Posted by rickm5
i may take egr valve off this weekend and clean it as recommended. guess i'll need a replace,ment gasket to re-install?
DPFE is dealer only, but you can pick them up cheaper at fordpartsnetwork.com and the such.
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From: cincinnati hamilton
good idea on the search. i bought this van used from a honda dealer. strangely enough we do have a "honda care non-honda warrenty" on it, but most people don't seem to want to fool with it. everyone wants cash up front,and tell me to get reimbersed from them. (honda warrenty) can't say as i blame them. i figure if its not too much i'll do it. save the arguments for bigger stuff. thankx again. i'll let ya know how it works out...i also have to paint the bathroom this week end.. uggh... rick
rick
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From: cincinnati hamilton
finally, and addendum to wifes windstar...well i got the dpfe sensor replaced by a local garage. they were able to replace it under my weird warranty. the check engine light is off! huraahh!! when i was picking it up,the shop manager asked me if i had brought the van in to them before, i said no, we just purchased it in march or april used from a local dealer. later the mechanic told me they had worked on the van before, replaced the head gaskets,and pulled the transmission for rebuilding for the previous owner. all systems good now. he said i should be good for 100 tho. miles. i don't know if i should be happy the work was already done, or sad it needed it .(head gaskets and tranny rebuild.) the mechanic said all 95 thru 2001 windstars had headgasket and tranny problems....at least mine are fixed. no wonder the engine looked so clean! what do you think? dodged a bullit, or bought a lemon? thanks guys! rick
rick
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From: Mitchell, SD
Originally Posted by rickm5
....at least mine are fixed. no wonder the engine looked so clean! what do you think? dodged a bullit, or bought a lemon? thanks guys! rick
rick
)
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
We had a 2000 windstar and by 04 it had been in the shop many times for major work. Thank goodness I bought a 5 yr 100k warranty. had major work on head gaskets 3 times, tranny 2 times and the list went on. Finally I told my wife we are getting rid of this and got our 04 truck listed in signature.