P0401 -- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected <<< what does this mean?

Probably needs cleaning at the least. This includes the ENTIRE system.. from exhaust to intake egr port

Father Guido wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

The most common problem with those is the DPFE sensor which may give several of your codes.

Lugnut

There was a major recall on the DPFE sensor for many Ford & Mercury models 2000 and above, not sure if any 99 model years were covered. I would suspect the DPFE, had it happen to my wife's 2000 Taurus wagon twice. First was replaced under recall, second I had to do. Part costs about $30 and takes five minutes to replace on the Taurus. Small hands help because it is located between the firewall and the engine, at least it is on the DOHC Duratec.

You might be able to tell if the sensor is bad by checking the DPFEGR pin on the sensor. Remove the wire harness from the sensor. Looking at the pins locate the top or left pin (depending on your engine it might be different). With the key on and engine off check the voltage to that pin. From what I am reading if it is between 4 and 6 volts the sensor is bad.

I say "might" because I've never actually performed this test. This I got from interpreting one of the pin-point tests I have for my 2000 Taurus DOHC. However, if I am in error you count on someone spotting it and offering additional advice and maybe even a few choice words for general entertainment.

P0401 almost always seems to require a DPFE sensor replacement. It worked for mine a few months back. Replacing it also, IMO, removed the "jerkiness" from the engine on acceleration.

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and ideas!

Norm