Do any of you smart Ford owners know what might be a cause for this code? I was thinking of replacing the EGR valve. Or is that too premature. Should I take the EGR valve off and clean off any carbon on it. If I do take the valve off are there any tricks?

Thanks for all the great forums. Nice web site to see.

Oh yea I have a 1997 F-150. 4.6 liter/ flareside XLT. Nice truck except the damm noises out of the front end at low speeds.

 

You need to remove the throttle body and clean the EGR ports

 

Remove vaccum hose on egr valve. Install a vaccum pump to valve,apply vaccum to egr with engine idling. If engine stumbles or dies ports are clear. Most of the time po401 is caused by a bad DPFE SENSOR

 

On a 2001-2003, I'd agree. Ford was still producing quality DPFE sensors back on 1997 however, and I've seen the 4.6L specifically clog the throttle body ports with carbon over and over again.



You let us know what you find, Orfordcop

 

Thanks for the replys guys... I am getting ready to go on my days off and I'll mess with it then...


Keep them coming, Great info

 

I had the same code on my 97 4.6 4x4. Spent money and time having people, including dealer to try and figure out. Finally, mechanic told me to try DPFE sensor. Cost around $75. Finally fixed it! Good luck!

 

Finally got the carbon out, made a world of difference.

Changed the fuel filter too. Original filter was on at 94,000 miles.

Thanks for all the information.
Next week will be sparkplugs...

 

Does anyon have a more zoomed out shot of the DPFE SENSOR? I have no idea where this is..

My EGR valve looks like a flying saucer with a little green boot covering the top hole, going over to another thing.