Code P401still-replaced EGR & DPFE

[Andrea P]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer with a code of p401. We replaced the EGR valve and the DPFE. I am still getting a p401. I erase the code and darned if it does not come back.
I want to check for a vacuum leak but I have no idea were the hoses are or where to start.
Any other ideas of what to check?
I saw on one thread that it mentions the Egr vacuum switching valve, vacuum control, and sensor circuit and a contol circuit. Are these different parts or all inside the EGR Valve?
Thank you so much for any help.

 

[L2rocku2]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer with a code of p401. We replaced the EGR valve and the DPFE. I am still getting a p401. I erase the code and darned if it does not come back.
I want to check for a vacuum leak but I have no idea were the hoses are or where to start.
Any other ideas of what to check?
I saw on one thread that it mentions the Egr vacuum switching valve, vacuum control, and sensor circuit and a contol circuit. Are these different parts or all inside the EGR Valve?
Thank you so much for any help.

Hello fellow arizonian. What's your engine? Drivetrain 2, 4 or awd?

 

[Andrea P]

Thank you for responding: I have a 4 WD XLT. V6

I think I must have the Ford curse: we have a 1995 full size Bronco and a 2001 Windstar. They all crapped out at the same time. We are down to knowing the Fuel pump needs to be replaced on the Windstar, so we were hoping the Explorer would be the easier fix.

 

[L2rocku2]

I'm more familiar with the v8. Let me find my factory service cd and see what it shows for troubleshooting P0401. May take me a bit, but i'll check for ya.

 

[L2rocku2]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer with a code of p401. We replaced the EGR valve and the DPFE. I am still getting a p401. I erase the code and darned if it does not come back.
I want to check for a vacuum leak but I have no idea were the hoses are or where to start.
Any other ideas of what to check?
I saw on one thread that it mentions the Egr vacuum switching valve, vacuum control, and sensor circuit and a contol circuit. Are these different parts or all inside the EGR Valve?
Thank you so much for any help.

Hi Andrea. I looked it up on my ford cd. Since the EGR & DPFE were replaced, it states to check that the two hoses going to the DPFE haven't been switched by accident, both hoses are good with no cracks or loose fitting. You didn't mention if it was a shop that did the repairs? Mistakes can/do happen. If that isn't the cause, check to make sure your main vacuum supply hose is good. All of the other causes are electrical. If you need them, let me know.

 

[jremington59]

Before you changed parts did you make sure there was vacuum? You also need to check for a blockage in the egr tube.

 

[Andrea P]

Ok...thank you for the ideas...I will try them out and let you know. By the way, I replaced both. Can't afford the shop prices.

Thanks again

 

[Andrea P]

still working on

Just wanted to keep in touch. I am still working on this issue. I am short and have a hard time following the vacuum hoses. I am trying to find a detailed vacuum diagram.
Thanks again..

 

[Andrea P]

Figured it out!

Well,we figured out what the problem was. I am not sure if it was this all along and the parts we replaced we not bad. My dad and my husband had replaced the intake manifold gasket in August and apparently one of the vaccum hoses was switched. So once that was fixed I received a misfire on cylinder 3 (again-3rd time). The first time we took the spark plug out, it was a little goopy, 2nd time-it was as clean as could be but this time, my husband says it looks like it is covered in oil. I have had a pretty steady drip of oil on the driveway for several months..hopefully it is not the end of the engine. Anyway, I replaced the spark plug with a new one and have not received any codes...fingers crossed.
What is your thoughts on replacing the engine if it is toast? The exterior and interior is emmaculate. The truck is already paid for. Really can't afford a new car payment. I have also had a problem with the transmission. It feel like it slips(or revs high) until it gets passed 30 mph. I don't dare pull out in traffic because I can't step on it. I took it to a transmission guy and he said it was fine...but I have my doubts.
Anyway...I do want to thank you guys for your assistance..I always try to learn as much as I can...and you helped.

 

[Andrea P]

Hello fellow arizonian. What's your engine? Drivetrain 2, 4 or awd?

Sorry for the delay..4WD