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DPFE sensor vs EGR sensor?

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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 05:26 PM
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DPFE sensor vs EGR sensor?

Is this the same durn thing?

ref this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...unk-again.html

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.?!?!?!

I am surely cornfused... little help?

Thanks!
 
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 08:28 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 06:05 AM
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Ford uses two different "styles" of DPFE sensor.

More recent is the tube-mounted where the sensor plugs onto the metal tubes of the EGR line.

The other style is bolted to the intake or a bracket and uses rubber hoses to make the connection to the EGR sample tubes.

Steve
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 09:00 AM
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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?

TIA
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 11:38 AM
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"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.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:19 PM
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Thanks pro... what I replaced was actually labeled "EGR sensor" but it was a Wells item - not Motorcraft.

I tested the EGR valve and it worked.
The only way I could get the ports any cleaner would be to drill them out bigger.

I think I will clear the code by disconnecting the batt and if it happens again, I will get a FORD DPFE/EGR sensor and put in it.

If it occurs again, I will go for the EVR solenoid.

Thanks fellas!
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 01:41 PM
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See if AutoZone will replace it under warranty. Better yet, ask for a refund and apply the refund towards the Ford unit.

Steve
 
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:31 PM
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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...

keepin fingers crossed...
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 10:04 AM
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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...

Thanks all...
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 11:03 AM
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Give it a few days of normal driving before you're comfortable. It can take that long to run the requisite tests the required number of times.

Steve
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 12:04 PM
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Thanks Steve... with the other sensor on it, the light was coming on within 15-30 minutes of driving.

So far, I've put 1hr on it and it's still out.

If it does come back on, I'll get a new sensor from Ford - not AZ.

but, until then...
 
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