I’ve been getting the p0401 code “ERG Flow insufficient” on my 2000 F-150 4x4 (4.6L)

I’ve run the fuel cleaner and it stop it for about 3 days, but the Check Engine light is back.

I’ve back read enough of the posts here to feel relatively certain that I need to remove and clean the ERG valve ports and the intake Elbow. I’m not even a marginal mechanic, but I know where the engine is. I just got stiffed for $600 from my local dealer on an cylinder coil replacement when he ignored my request to contact me before he made any repairs so I’m not too thrilled about seeing him again.

Without a service manual should I attempt this on my own? (It’ll take about a week to order a manual.) And if so, where to get started.

My apologies to the Ford Mech's here, I know you need to feed the family and all, but I just don't trust the ones in my area.

Thanks.

 

The 4.6L in my 2000 E-150 work van had the same problem. The service advisor told me the recall on the EGR valve had been extended to 60,000 miles and they replaced the valve for free. I had no idea there was even a recall on the part. The code is gone and the gas mileage is back.

Sorry to hear that you get poor service from ford in your area. I have become the “customer of the month” at my local dealership several times this year thanks to my Fleet Econoline. I think some of the technicians there have authored some TSB’s off my van. I am so honored!

 

no they wopuld only charge you $350(LOL), is mostlikely egr ports are plugged
very common, will send you an e-mail with some info and pitures on how tp do this job oh yeah by the way just cause of that i don't get to eat tday
cause I am a ford certified line technician
hope the info i send you helps you out

 

Much appreciation for the step by step.

I'm stopping by the hardware store after work to get a 10mm deep socket. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Thank for all the info, Job took about 2 hours exactally.

Ports were gunked up just as expected. Got everything clean and purrdy, but the check enging light is still on.

I've put about 20 miles on the engine since the work so maybe it's some kinda delay reset????

BTW Engine idles and accelerates much better now.

 

Is there any chance that you could share that step-by-step info with some of us other common folk?

I'd love to do this myself as well since my truck has some of the similar symptoms.

Thanks...

 

Hole-Snipe,
You have to reset your computer for the light to go away (clear the code).
1. Go to Autozone and they can clear it for free with their scanner (except in Calif.)
2. DIY, disconnect the negative battery cable for about 10-15 minutes, then click your high beam lever a couple times (completely drains any residual power in the computer) then connect the battery cable back (light will be cleared). Start the truck and just let it idle for a couple of minutes, turn on your a/c and continue to let it idle for a couple more minutes, this allows the computer to learn idle again. You're all set and ready to go!!

 

Think I'll go to autozone.

Call me strange, but I think I had a bad accident in a former life. The thought of plugging wires into and unplugging wires from the battery bring's images of the battery exploding and thourghly covering me with acid.




Thanks for the tip though.

 

Hole_Snipe or rtjohnson,

Could you share the information along pics on how to clean the EGR ports for the rest of us?

Thanks

 

I'll post the link as soon as I can get to my other computer. (later this afternoon.)

 

http://www.fordf150.net/howto/throttlebodyclean.php


The Link.


Sorry it took so long.

 

rtjohnson & _Snipe Now that's a step-by-step...

You da men... Thanks

many for you both

 

OK, to date I cleaned the junk out of the throttle body ports, and reset the "Service Engine Soon" light last night.


Today after only 23 miles the light is back on.

What should be the next logical thing to check or replace.

The p0401 code says to replace the ERG valve "$54.99", but I thought I read here that that isn't always the problem.

Just when I was feeling good about me shady tree skills.

 

Hole_Snipe,

Thanks for the link. Did you use new gaskets or did you just reuse the old ones?

Thanks

 

I just reused the old one. It was in good shape, but I probably should have gone with a new one.