Check Engine Light CEL - code 0401

[Curtis]

About a month ago my check engin light came on. I had the code read at Autozone for free by the advice I had read on other threads. The guy at autozone looked up the code on his computer and it said 0401 - improper exhaust flow. I figured it was a catilytic converter problem like other threads mention. So I left it. A couple days later the light went off.

Yesterday It came on again. I went back to autozone and had it read again. same code, but the guy had a book that he looked the code in.. The exact words were 0401 - exhaust return flow malfunction.

Also, when I am driving across a parking lot at idle speed without pressing the gas peddle, the engin seems like it is going to cut out. but it doesnt. Just gets really rough for about 2-3 seconds and then evens out. I have bought new plugs (motorcraft) and wires (bosch) for a weekend project this weekend. Any advice on that? I read in other threads to stay away from bosch. Should I get Ford wires and plugs?

My questions are,
Does this sound like an EGR valve problem? With the exhaust return malfunction?
There may be a very small exhause leak. Would this cause a code 0401.

Any advice or input is appreiciated and would be great!!!
Thanks
Curtis
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1996 4Dr Explorer
4.0 L
2 WD
66,000 miles
Dead Link Removed

 

[oahrens]

There are mixed views on plugs/wires. Your setup should be fine. I've only heard bad things about Bosch plugs...not wires. Make sure you gap the plugs to specs. What about a total tune-up?
This is a very common problem. Update after replacement.
Hopefully it's an easy fix. I've also seen this become a complex and expensive fix.