EGR pressure sensor

[StreetRanger01]

My check engine light was on so I had it plugged in and it said my egr valve was bad so I replaced it. I reset and the light went off for a few and when it came back on I had it plugged in again and it still read that the egr valve or the pressure sensor for it was the issue. My truck seems to be running ok, it has a little bit of a rough idle but nothing horrible. Should I replace the sensor too or just let it be. Is it common for these sensors to go bad. My truck is a 2001 3.0 if that helps. Thanks.

 

[fixizin]

Was the code P0401, P0402, or...?

The pressure sensor you're referring to is the DPFE, and it goes bad WAY more often than the EGR valve itself. Luckily they're up top and easy to swap, and only about $42.

Save your old EGR--it's probably still fine, and might be higher quality than the aftermarket one you swapped in.

 

[StreetRanger01]

Too late for the old egr, it's long gone. Where have you seen the sensor for $42? I checked at autozone and they were $65, was it a website or something? How big of an impact does the sensor have on the idle and fuel economy of the truck because I noticed my mpg to be a little on the lower side. Thanks for any response.

 

[fixizin]

That little thing can affect idle, MPG, and MUCH more... I procrastinated and it got so out of whack it was SHUTTING ME DOWN COLD! (I guess because computer just getting "lost" with bad data)... and in very inconvenient and even dangerous situations. I thought it was ignition because the tach would just drop to 0, even though I was rolling along with manual tranny in gear, turning over the engine.

Anyway, one shows up for ~$44 at PartsAmerica, which is Advance Auto in the brick and mortar world... but they list others for ~$75... auto parts biz is goofy like that.

http://www.partsamerica.com:80/prod...BOR&MfrPartNumber=EGR155&PartType=289&PTSet=A

www.rockauto.com also has one for $45... seems like they were universally called DPFEs (Differential Pressure Feedback for Egr sensor) until 30 days ago, now the terminology is "EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor"... roll with it I guess...

Your original one is probably metal-cased, and the replacement, even from Ford, will be plastic-cased, but don't worry, the plastic ones are way better. (Ford factory tech told me this, got me the plastic OEM one for $42 "under the table"... tradin' favors.)

 

[StreetRanger01]

Where exactly is it located? I've seen a couple things under the hood that could be it but they all look pretty similar. Thanks.

 

[Bob Ayers]

Here ya go:

 

[fixizin]

Can't beat The Bob for clear pics. Looks like he's had to replace his DPFE too.

The 2 hoses are slightly different sizes, but mark 'em anyway... ;')

Bob, I forget, what's that vacuum knob adjuster thingy just forward of the brake master cylinder?

 

[StreetRanger01]

Thank you very much. That was extremely helpful.

 

[Southern3.0]

I think its the purge valve for the evap system.

 

[StreetRanger01]

Got my part on the way via fedex. Truck is really starting to act up now, extremely rough idle. Sitting at a stop light today and the thing was rocking due to the idle. Hoping it is in fact the egr pressure sensor.

 

[StreetRanger01]

Put the part on today. Didn't do a damn thing. Idle is still rough as hell and guzzling gas like crazy. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[StreetRanger01]

Think I got it figured out fellas. My intake air box wasn't sealed. It somehow popped off and the top was just resting on the filter and wasn't locked into place. Never thought something so small could cause such a rough idle.

 

[fixizin]

Yeah, it's a sensitive system... mine got a bit rough one time because the oil breather tube came off the "elephant trunk"... think about it--messes up the MAF readings and IAC setting.

Kinda pisses me off how much the EMISSIONS controls can screw up your whole day.

I was gonna ask more questions and see if maybe it was your IAC, but sounds like you got it solved. I'd be tempted to put the old DPFE back on, and save the new one 'til you need it, which you will if you keep the truck... but then, why not just leave it and save the old sensor...

 

[StreetRanger01]

I thought about putting the old sensor on but I think that one was causing part of my issue and with my check engine light. The old one was really corroded where the hoses go on so I think it was time for the new one. Hoping my gas mileage improves now, since the new sensor it seems to have gotten better but I'll have to wait until next fill up. Don't expect "good" mileage but last tank was abnormally low for a ranger.

 

[fixizin]

OOOH! OOH!... forgot to tell you... I think the RKIs/super-mods will back me up on this:

Now that you have the new sensor in, you need to disconnect your neg battery terminal for 5-10 minutes, then re-connect, so your PCM "learns/calibrates" values from the new DPFE, and "maps" it in with the other sensors... *then* you'll notice the diff... not right away, but after a few miles of driving... made a HUGE difference on my install... went from rough-running POShyt to Swiss watch.