PO401 on a 2001 Sport Trac

I've got a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac. My check engine light started coming on and going off a couple months ago. Then it came on consistently and has not gone off since. Auto Zone says code 401 with is EGR related. I have a couple questions about this.

  1. There is a 80,000 mile emissions warrenty (I currently only have 42k on the vehicle) covering most of the parts having to do with emsissions monitoring etc. However, when calling Ford to inquire, they started backpeddling immediately saying that it could be a lot of other things giving that code that would not be warrenty related and that it would be a minimum of a hundred bucks to look.

  1. The truck has and continues to run exactly as it did the day I drove it off the lot. I have looked at the various symptoms of a jammed valve and it does not idle rough nor does the engine ping or lag.

  2. I am a bit strapped for extra cash right now and for the next month or so.

Since I'm starting to think this is just a sensor issue, what are the repercussions of just driving it for another 750 - 1000 miles or so with the light on.

I've also looked online and have not been able to find any diagrams on where this valve is located on the V6 Sport Trac engine. It might be as simple as carbon build up as I've read, but no luck in finding it or knowing how to clean it.

Any information is appreciated. I don't want to ruin the engine, however, I'm very limited for the short term future as to what money I can put into this issue.

Reply to
Michael D via CarKB.com
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Most likely the DPFE sensor - about $70.00. You can find it by tracking 2 small vacuum lines from the exhaust manifold. It is also possible that the small metal tubes that the vac lines connect to are plugged with carbon.

Reply to
gw

On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 14:40:07 +0000, Michael D via CarKB.com rearranged some electrons to form:

If you live in a state that requires OBD-II emissions inspections, having the check engine light on will fail the test.

Reply to
David M

Search through messages here - location of the DPFE has been discussed in the last couple of months.

You can remove the hoses, clean them out, stick a pipe cleaner in each of the two hose connections at the bottom of the DPFE sensor and make sure they are open.

That code is insufficient EGR flow. Likely the DPFE sensor, could be a couple of other things that open the EGR valve, or the EGR valve itself.

You should be ok driving it that way unless it starts missing or pinging, then you may want to raise the priority level.

Reply to
ross via CarKB.com

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