more EGR problems
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more EGR problems
I have a '99 4.6l F150 with 144k miles that I purchased from my Dad about a month ago. We both knew of the problem before I bought it but it is becoming more of a problem than expected. He had to replace the IAC valve last year. Since I bought it I have replaced the DPFE sensor and when that didn't fix it I replaced the EGR valve itself. Last weekend I removed the throttle body and one of the EGR ports was totally plugged up. I cleaned it up completley and re-assembled and the light came back on Wednesday. Today I pulled the line from the exhaust to the EGR and it is clean. After reseting the computer, I drove about 20 miles and it is back on. I'm just looking for anymore sugestions on what might be causing this. Help me if you can. Thanks. 
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I have the same problem. Changed EGR valve that didn't fix it, cleaned the ports, still didn't fix it. changed the dpfe sensor reset the code once again. and go figure it comes right back on. The only explanation I could get is that I didn't use a Ford DPFE sensor and that the computer isn't reading it corectly, but $120.00 bucks for that thing i think I'll suffer with the light on for a while. It doesn't seem to efect the performance at all
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Here is another question.........??
I cleaned the egr ports on the throttle body about a year ago, as the check engine light was on (P0401) and the inspection was due. Now 1 year later the light is back on. On average, after cleaning the ports, how long should that last???
I cleaned the egr ports on the throttle body about a year ago, as the check engine light was on (P0401) and the inspection was due. Now 1 year later the light is back on. On average, after cleaning the ports, how long should that last???
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It is the P0401 code, it just won't go away. The DPFE sensor that I put on is from Autozone. I have heard the same thing about using the Ford product, never checked cost though. The truck runs fine, I just hate that light staring at me everywhere I go. I haven't heard anything about the PCM causing it but I'll check it out. Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Check Vaccum lines
OK, I don't mean to sound preachy or state the obvious, but don't forget to check your vaccum lines. If you have a vaccum leak you will get a P0401 when the vehicle warms up because there is no EGR flow.
There is a vaccum line that goes from the EGR valve to the EGR regulator, this should be the "green" line.
There is a while line that goes all the way from the EGR regulator to a union of 3 vaccum lines behind the battery. This is the line that many miss and it does break. You will need to remove the battery to check this line.
The Vaccum lines are rigid plastic and when they get hot, they get very brittle and break. Disconnect the lines and use a vaccum tester to check for leaks. If either line does not hold a vaccum, there is your problem.
Good luck.
Vincent
There is a vaccum line that goes from the EGR valve to the EGR regulator, this should be the "green" line.
There is a while line that goes all the way from the EGR regulator to a union of 3 vaccum lines behind the battery. This is the line that many miss and it does break. You will need to remove the battery to check this line.
The Vaccum lines are rigid plastic and when they get hot, they get very brittle and break. Disconnect the lines and use a vaccum tester to check for leaks. If either line does not hold a vaccum, there is your problem.
Good luck.
Vincent
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Last winter I had the same problem. I bought a DPFE from Autozone and changed it. The light went out but came back on a few days later. I bought a digital tester and tested everything and it checked out ok so I changed the EGR even though it seemed fine. Still had a light. Took off the throttle body and the ports were clean...Read here a bout the Ford DPFE units and thought what the heck I was at my whits end so I paid the120 bucks even though I hated it and guess what, the light has been out for about a month. Maybe there is something in the electrical system that knows if a Ford part is being used or not. From now on I guess I'll use all Ford electrical parts but stuff like brakes and the like I'll get elsewhere....
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