Need help with CEL trouble code P0401

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Aug 11, 2006 | 10:37 PM

mauicruza

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From: maui.HI

Need help with CEL trouble code P0401

Hello, I'm working on my father's 2000 Ranger with a 3.0L v6. Check engine light came on and the code reader says "P0401 EGR insufficient flow". I checked the egr diaphram with a vac. tester and it's not leaking. I did notice that there is like an adjustment **** on the egr regulator. I'm wondering if it could have gone off adjustment and was wondering how to readjust to the proper specs? I'm not to keen in buying a haynes or chilton manual as I've found them to not have enough diagnostic info. I also don't want to buy a factory repair manual because they are expensive and I don't know how long my father is keeping his truck. If anyone got some info to help me out, it will be greatly appreciated.

Aloha

Mike

Aug 11, 2006 | 10:44 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Quote:

Originally Posted by mauicruza

Look at the DPFE sensor, that's a first place to start. At the parts store it's known as the EGR position sensor of some such thing - certainly NOT the DPFE

Aug 11, 2006 | 10:57 PM

mauicruza

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From: maui.HI

Thanks for the repy eigenvector, but I did not see one on the egr valve. I'm sure there's got to be one. I'm more familiar with the older EEC-IV systems and this is only my second time with OBDII. My 89 5.8s EGR position sensor is mounted right on top of the EGR valve but I don't see one on this engine. Also do you know how to adjust what looks to be the EGR vac regulator?

Aug 12, 2006 | 12:10 AM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

I don't actually know that it is the DPFE sensor, but it's a good guess. It's basically an aluminum sensor on the front of the intake manifold with two 1/4 vacuum hoses going into it from the bottom and an electrical plug on the front. There's a nice pic of it in the Tech sticky at the top of this forum.

Aug 12, 2006 | 07:04 AM

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

Ford EGR/DPFE System Summary

I agree, probably a bad DPFE sensor.

Aug 12, 2006 | 04:38 PM

super 6.8

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From: Southern KS

That adjustment **** is just a plastic cover for a foam filter that vents to the atmosphere on the vacuum solenoid. It will spin but is not an adjustment of any kind.

Before buying any parts make sure the 2 hoses going to the DPFE are not plugged or even kinked whatsoever.

The other guys are right in that the DPFE will be culprit 9 times out of 10.

Aug 13, 2006 | 12:53 AM

mauicruza

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From: maui.HI

Thanks gents, you guys provided excellent info. I got confussed between the vac solenoid and the DPFE valve since both have 2 hoses connected to it and both which have a electrical connector attached, and both located on or near the intake. Super6.8 your right, it isn't an adjustment **** but a filter cover. I'm going to replace the DPFE valve because I think you all are right plus I happened to run into a friend that had a similar problem and I noticed that the shop had replaced his DPFE.

One last question, the factory one on my dads truck is aluminum but my friends replacement from NAPA is plastic. Is it the same difference?

thanks again,
Mike