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So I go to the dealership today and ask for the DPFE sensor. Guy says there are two sizes, but we can't tell which one my truck (98 w/4.6) has, so he sells me the "small" one and say I can swap it as long as the bag is sealed.
I get home and remove the plastic hood off the intake, and dang if it doesn't look like I have the BIG one, but it is the same place/thing as what I replaced 7 months ago...which was the EGR sensor.?!?!?!
The function of them is the same. Both provide feedback on amount of egr gas flow. Other than that, they are 2 different beasts.
DPFE measures a pressure differential in the stream above and below an orifice to determine the amount of ACTUAL gas flow. EGR sensors just measured the amount of travel of the EGR valve. From that measurment, a certain flow rate was assumed.
All the modern Ford engines use the DPFE.
Thanks guys... (truck is an early 1998 with the 4.6) based on what I'm reading...when I replaced the "EGR sensor" it was the same as replacing the "DPFE sensor". I replaced the square block that has two rubber hoses going to the bottom of it and an electrical connection and mounts to the intake with 2 bolts.
Given that it seems as if I already replaced the "DPFE sensor", WHAT could be making the stupid P0401 code show up again?
I have cleaned the passages and replaced the sensor... what else could be the cause?
"EGR sensor" is just a common name for the DPFE sensor. That way, the slack-jawed kid behind the auto parts store counter won't look at you like an idiot when you give the proper name.
Was that a Ford plastic sensor or an after market sensor? iI after market, it's probably bad.
If it was the new Ford sensor, then the possibilities include partially restricted inlet ports (clean more!), a bad EVR solenoid, or even, in rare circumstances, the EGR valve itself.
I think I may have had an epiphany (bright idea)...back when I had the trouble with the P0401 code, the first thing I did was replace the DPFE/EGR sensor- of course that did not solve the problem, so then I cleaned the passages out and all was well...
Now, the replacement sensor *may* have conked out...so I am going to put the original sensor back on the truck and see what happens- it might be just fine...
Well, I put the original sensor back on the motor and the code is out and all is working fine.
I took the other one back to AutoZone and got a refund...of course they told me the original metal sensor is no good and will be going out soon... I told them I'll run it until it does...if it EVER does...