EGR VALVE/SYSTEM on 1999 XLT V8

[Bera's Explorer]

My check engine light has been on, and in order to pass the yearly state inspection I had to have this fixed. Went to a few techs to get their idea, and they all told me the EGR Valve and its other 2 components have to be changed. They hooked it up to the OBD port and it was throwing the EGR code. Anyhow, parts and labor will be $400? ouch . It's in the shop right now as we speak getting this job done. Has anyone else experienced this on their Explorer? The tech said it was a common problem on Fords, especially the Explorers and Crown Vics.

 

[rizzjc]

Really depends on the actual code. P0141 would normally point to the EGR. However, in the '99 you have an external EGR tube (which should be checked that it's not rusted, especially in NY), and I *think* a DPFE. In that year I think the DPFE is what would 'cause the P0141 code to be thrown (either because the DPFE is bad, or the EGR is really bad, and the DPFE is telling you). $400 for the job (with parts?) depending on what they are replacing, sounds reasonable for a shop to charge. I replaced my EGR and EGR Sensor (NOT DPFE - my year doesn't have one), myself, for about $200. If it's just the DPFE then it's a lot cheaper, and you coulda don't it yourself pretty easily.

 

[manaen]

Most causes of the these codes is the DPFE.
DPFE is less than $30, and you can clean the EGR valve and the tube that connects to the EGR. Chances are it will not come apart easily though.

$400 for a shop to do the work is probably right in line, unless it is just the DPFE it only takes 15 min to replace that. but they will probably service/replace the whole EGR since they make more money that way. Frankly testing the EGR system can be a bit tricky to troubleshoot due to the way it operates. Many times it is easier/cheaper for them to replace the whole thing than to spend the time troubleshooting the problem.

 

[Turdle]

Yup--
It could have just been as simple as a hose blown off the DPFE sensor--

Since it is at the shop though-we will probably not get an honest answer--

If they said they replaced something--ask to see the old part, and refuse to pay for a part without an old, identical one to show for it

also, have them point out, with their fingers, which parts were replaced.

 

[rizzjc]

Yup--
It could have just been as simple as a hose blown off the DPFE sensor--

Since it is at the shop though-we will probably not get an honest answer--

If they said they replaced something--ask to see the old part, and refuse to pay for a part without an old, identical one to show for it

also, have them point out, with their fingers, which parts were replaced.

Always good advice. I once paid $500 to fix a really bad noise, the day before my wedding. It was the front driveshaft, which was $250, and I guess $250 for the 10 minutes it took to replace. But, in that case, I didn't care, as I was in a tux, on the way to the church, when I picked it up. Little would I know that driveshaft would have to last me twice as long as the first one did, since I would never be able to get a new car again.

 

[Bera's Explorer]

Thanks for all the replies. Had I read these posts first, I probably would have attempted to fix it myself. The car is absolutely mint, except for the EGR problem. I am going to ask them for specific part information and have them show me which part they changed. I will post and let you guys (and gals?) know. Thanks again for all the help!