Pls someone help?

[tonyt72567]

I have a p401 code which I know is egr system. I replaced the two electronic parts with other units I took from a donner vehicle. So the question is do I need to clear the codes myself now or should they have cleared themselves if the parts I put on were good? Also would it help to sea foam the whole system? I think I saw some threads on here a while back how to do that. If someone could pls help I would really appreciate it. I don't post a lot but I do read all the time and get very useful info. I love the site but it seems when I do post it goes in answered. So pls help.

 

[2000StreetRod]

which engine - which parts?

Which engine do you have? There were three different ones in 2000.

Which "two electronic parts" did you replace? Were they the EGR vacuum regulator (EVR) and the DPFE sensor? In general, if you replace something that might fix a set DTC its best to clear the code and see if it returns.

P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
Have you tested the EGR valve?

 

[96ex5.0]

Most of the time at the shop we find we have to clear the code, then drive around the block shut it off for 2 min or so and do it again. Repeat 2-3 times to be sure it done throw a new code.

 

[tonyt72567]

Sorry. It's the 5.0. Not positively sure how to test the egr.

 

[tonyt72567]

And yes street rod it was the parts you mentioned does sea foam help clean the egr system as well as everything else it cleans?

 

[2000StreetRod]

SeaFoam

I would avoid adding SeaFoam at this time. It will loosen deposits in your intake system which could foul your spark plugs. I have no first hand experience with the 5.0L but I think the EGR valve is buried at the rear of the engine. EGR is disabled by the PCM at idle because it causes the engine to idle poorly. If you apply vacuum to the valve with a hand vacuum pump the valve will open. The more it is open the worse the engine will idle. If the EGR valve will not retain vacuum then the diaphragm is ruptured and the valve should be replaced.

 

[zrxsix3rz]

could this code also pop up if you have any sort of leak in your evap system? if so the best way to test that is have a shop smoke it while the valves are closed in your evap system, the smoke will find the whole and escape if that is the problem

also maybe check the gas cap and see if its not gummed up, the cap needs to have some form of vent on the cap so pressure can be released from the tank itself

 

[jremington59]

It's not associated with the evap system. It's a low flow of return gasses through the egr back into the intake. It's common for the 5.0's to have a plugged tube along with the things 2000streetrod stated. I tossed the code a couple weeks back, but I reset it and it hasn't returned so I'm assuming it could be a gummed up egr valve in my case. If it throws it again, which I'm sure it will, I'll pull it off and clean it.

 

[tonyt72567]

Thank you. Dry much for the help. I'm going to pull the egr tube and valve and clean it up and see how that does. The only way I can clear the codes is remove the battery cable since someone decided to steal my tool box with my code scanner.

 

[jremington59]

Well I jinxed myself. The code came back tonight so I'll be digging into finding the problem. Why does this not surprise me, lol. I'm starting by pulling the EGR valve and cleaning it.

 

[Markaprice73]

There are multiple ways to check the system. These ones by scannerdanner are brilliant.
...my bet is on the dpfe sensor. I believe these to fail because of moisture in the exaughst getting into the sensor. Also check the hoses leading to the sensor for any leaks. Also inspect all vacuum hoses. Btw..I have heard that the aftermarket sensors tend to fail quicker.
YouTube search- scannerdanner dpfe. Watch the first 4 videos by him that come up. You will learn everything you ever need to know about Ford's EGR system.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pH_kjRwD-Xw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RUmH4lwTLKs

 

[Markaprice73]

here's another good one by realfixesrealfast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVcWDkwTxj8

 

[Markaprice73]

A bit off topic...The reason I ended up watching all these videos was not just to learn but I wanted to test my system with my "patch job".
I was changing my valve cover gaskets this weekend. I decided to skip the step of removing the dpfe sensor. I thought I could slip the valve cover by it with out removing it. Well, it was a tighter clearance then I thought. Broke one of the ports on the sensor right off of the hose. Darn plastic sensors! I taped it up the best I could until my new one comes in from rockauto. No code yet. But, I'm sure its coming. I'll spare you'll about my testing details/results.
Also, definitely have lost a few mpg's.(scangaugeII)

 

[Markaprice73]

Ha. Got a P1406 this morning. DPFE Sensor Circuit Downstream Hose. Yep, that's the one that's leaking/broke