Please help me with a P1401 Check engine Code on my 99 Ranger

[snow_mac]

So I have a stock 1999 Ford Range, 2 wheel dive with manual transmition. It has about 117,000 miles on it and I bought it with 57,000 miles about 3 years ago.

History (Skip to problem if you don't care)
---------
1. I had a high idle which was finally repaired this summer using a high idle service kit via a local shop
2. I had the full pump replaced this summer via a local shop
Both of these gave off check engine codes (of which I do not know). But since then I didn't start having problems until about Oct of 2011. Its come on just about every other month, so I thought it was a fluke no big deal; maybe weather related (we have had lots of snow).

Problem
------------
In the past 30 days the check engine code has read P1401 at least 3 times. Once a week or so, it just read off about 3 days ago and tonight. I was reading this has to do with a circuit that just needs to be replaced. I'm not sure. I've heard it's a DPFE sensor.

Questions
-------------
1. Is this a serious problem?
2. How do I trouble shoot it?
3. Is it easy to fix myself?
4. How expensive of a repair is it?
5. Where can I get this replacement part(s)?

Thank you,

Adam

 

[ncranchero]

A DPFE electrical failure IS possible. Which engine/trans do you have?

P1401 - DPF EGR Sensor Circuit High Voltage Detected

The EGR monitor checks the DPF EGR sensor signal to the PCM for high voltage. The test fails when the average voltage to the PCM goes to a voltage greater than the maximum calibrated value.

Possible causes are
DPF EGR circuit open
VREF short to PWR
Damaged DPF EGR sensor
DPFEGR circuit short to PWR
SIG RTN circuit open
Damaged PCM

A DPF EGR PID reading greater than 4.5 volts with the key ON and engine OFF or running, indicates a hard fault

 

[swetrid]

Definitely dpfe sensor, I would only put Ford one on though.