Help with EGR system and engine light problem

My "check engine" light on my 97 4.6L f150 is driving me nuts! The light came on a while back, but the truck runs fine and gas mileage hasn't suffered. I finally had Auto Zone put a computer on it and the code came up EGR "insufficient flow". I bought a new EGR valve and reset the light. Back on in a couple days. Then I got this bright idea that a real "repair shop" may have a better computer that could pinpoint the problem. At least they said it was better. (I don't believe it). Anyhow, they told me to replace the PFTE or whatever its called and another vaccum control valve or somwthing like that. Im probably not calling them by their correct name, but its a small silver box with some sort of computer card in it that costs about $90, and another part that has a small filter on the top of it and costs around $30. the guy at the Ford place said this is pretty much all of the EGR stuff that goes bad.

Well, the light went off for about 10 months. Now its on again, right when I'm about to sell the truck. I figured my cheapo Auto Zone EGR valve was bad, so I headed back to Auto Zone to diagnose it again. Its thae same old code, bad EGR flow. I replaced the EGR valve with a factory Ford one (only $55 bucks, believe it or not!). Light came back on. Oh well, I guess my PFTE (the silver box) from Car Quest must be bad. I went to buy another one and the guy was cool and gave me a new one without me even asking! Light came back on. I havent changed the third part yet (I had earlier replaced this with a genuine Ford part).

I have to think that something else is causing the bad code. I am running out of time, patience, and money!! Any ideas? The truck is still running fine and getting normal mileage. If I disconnect the bettery to reset the light it may stay off for an hour, or three days.

I am just about at my wits end, and am ready to just disconnect the engine light altogether. Is there an easy way to do this if I have to?

thanks in advance

Reply to
rgdavico
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On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 23:18:13 -0600, rgdavico rearranged some electrons to form:

Depending on the emissions laws where you live, your truck will fail the OBD-2 inspection if the check engine light does not work.

Reply to
David M

Is it my imagination or is your signature just pretentious pompous mush?

Reply to
moli n ny

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 10:13:16 +0000, moli n ny rearranged some electrons to form:

It's your imagination.

Reply to
David M

Nice web site, Dave, and nice job on the Torino.

Spdloader A fellow High Pointer

Reply to
Spdloader

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 14:49:14 +0000, Spdloader rearranged some electrons to form:

Thanks. I haven't driven her in a couple of weeks. You may see her occasionally on Friday or Saturday nights around Barnes & Noble at the mall, or sometimes at the J&S. She's stabled right off Old Mill, at the bottom of the hill across from the Elks Club.

In fact I'm getting ready to wash her, if I can stand the cold this morning.

Reply to
David M

I would replace the exhaust back pressure sensor, it's probably bad. The ECM uses it to determine EGR flow. When they start to go bad, they cause an insufficient EGR flow code to be set.

Reply to
Nukie Poo

I have run across that problem before with the 4.6L . If replacing the parts didn't solve the problem you may want to remove the EGR valve and clean the ports behind it. The 4.6L is bad about carbon buildup in the egr ports and the lines going to the PFTE.

Reply to
jt

I live in the PacNW. I washed my truck Friday. It was raining, so I just filled the bucket with the soap, and got busy. One I was done washing her, just hooked up the hose for a few quick squirts. Didn't bother wiping her down, either.

I got my Ranger in Black, because I felt that was the color that looked best with the body style. The downside is dirt shows.

Plasyd

-- No information is any better than the assumptions of those who gather it. (paraphrased) Theodore Roszak v1.2a r TW 0/0/r tG 0- 0 DSotM 2 0 44.7%

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Reply to
Plasyd

The OP and the responder neither one signed their post.

When a person doesn't sign their post, I figure they don't care about anything other than content. Responder, why should anyone else? :)

Alvin in AZ

Reply to
alvinj

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 19:05:07 +0000, Plasyd rearranged some electrons to form:

Isn't it always raining there?

Reply to
David M

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 19:09:30 +0000, alvin rearranged some electrons to form:

If you are calling me the "responder", I always sign my posts. Maybe you didn't scroll down far enough... or hit the send button prematurely.

Reply to
David M

Depends. We get 90 days of summer. Otherwise, it's Spring.

Right now, it's sunny. A few clouds, but the sun is showing it's face. FWIW, I love the rain. I love the smell when the rain starts........

Heck. I've grown gills and webbed feet since moving here.

Plasyd

-- No information is any better than the assumptions of those who gather it. (paraphrased) Theodore Roszak v1.2a r TW 0/0/r tG 0- 0 DSotM 2 0 44.7%

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Reply to
Plasyd

Nope, nope and nope David M. ;)

Alvin

Reply to
alvinj

On Tue, 02 Dec 2003 21:46:11 +0000, alvin rearranged some electrons to form:

Ok, just checking. I couldn't tell. thanx.

Reply to
David M

The EGR Low Flow problem is likely nothing more than needing the EGR ports in the intake manifold cleaned. The 4.6L has a nasty habit of plugging them.

Reply to
lugnut

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