EGR FLOW INSUFFICIENT

OBD-II Trouble Code P0401 - Insufficient EGR Flow

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR. You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.

A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:
The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
The EGR valve is faulty
The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Check it and keep us updated. Hope this helps (remember to rating this free answer).

The P0401 is an insufficient flow code and is almost always caused by the DPFE sensor. This sensor measures the back pressure in the exhaust as is a more accurate way of determining EGR flow than the old EGR position sensors. When the EGR valve opens the exhaust back pressure changes and the DPFE sensor informs the processor of this information. If the sensor isn't reading a change when the EGR valve is turned on through the solenoid, it will throuw a p0401 code. The only true way to check this is to install a scan tool and measure the DPFE voltage. Normal DPFE voltage is approx. .9 volts at idle.
The DPFE sensor dealer part price is approx. $140 but you will find cheaper prices at an aftermarket parts store. Good luck.

P0401 - Insufficient EGR Flow

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.

Symptoms: You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.

Causes: A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:
* The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
* There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
* The EGR valve is faulty
* The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Possible Solutions: In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.
* Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
* Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
* Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
* Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
* Replace the EGR valve


Hope this helps to solve it (remember to rate this answer).

P0401

Insufficient EGR Flow
What does that mean?

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.
FB.init("dd7d9e9681341cde77587bc6a2029f6f"); OBD-Codes.com on Facebook Symptoms

You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.
Causes

A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

• The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
• There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
• The EGR valve is faulty
• The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Possible Solutions

In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

• Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
• Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
• Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
• Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
• Replace the EGR valve

Exhaust gas recirculation flow reduced. Could be caused by valve or gunk in the flow path. I'll paste a little bit about troubleshooting below. If you need specific instructions for repairing your system, please reply with your engine size/type.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is designed to reintroduce exhaust gas into the combustion chambers, thereby lowering combustion temperatures and reducing the formation of Oxides of Nitrogen (NO x ).
The amount of exhaust gas that is reintroduced into the combustion cycle is determined by several factors, such as: engine speed, engine vacuum, exhaust system backpressure, coolant temperature, throttle position. All EGR valves are vacuum operated. The EGR vacuum diagram for your particular vehicle is displayed on the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label.
The EGR system is Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) system, controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and composed of the following components: DPFE sensor (also referred to as the backpressure transducer), EGR Vacuum Regulator (EVR) solenoid, EGR valve, and assorted hoses.

COMPONENT TESTING

DPFE Sensor

1. Disconnect the pressure hoses at the DPFE sensor.
2. Connect a hand vacuum pump to the downstream pickup marked REF on the sensor.
3. Using a multimeter, backprobe the SIG RTN circuit at the DPFE connector.
4. With the ignition ON , signal voltage should be 0.20-0.70 volts.
5. Apply 8-9 in. Hg of vacuum to the sensor. Voltage should be greater than 4 volts.
6. Quickly release the vacuum from the sensor. Voltage should drop to less than 1 volt in 3 seconds.
7. If the sensor does not respond as specified, check the power and ground circuits.
8. If power and ground circuits are functional, the sensor is faulty.

EGR Valve Control Solenoid

1. Remove the EVR solenoid.
2. Attempt to lightly blow air into the EVR solenoid.
   1. If air blows through the solenoid, replace the solenoid with a new one.
   2. If air does not pass freely through the solenoid, continue with the test.
   
   
3. Apply battery voltage (approximately 12 volts) and a ground to the EVR solenoid electrical terminals. Attempt to lightly blow air, once again, through the solenoid.
   1. If air does not pass through the solenoid, replace the solenoid with a new one.
   2. If air does not flow through the solenoid, the solenoid is OK.
   
   
4. If the solenoid is functional but the problem still exists, check the power and ground circuits.

EGR Valve

1. Install a tachometer on the engine, following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Detach the engine wiring harness connector from the Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid.
3. Disconnect and plug the vacuum supply hose from the EGR valve.
4. Start the engine, then apply the parking brake, block the rear wheels and position the transmission in Neutral.
5. Observe and note the idle speed.

If the engine will not idle with the IAC solenoid disconnected, provide an air bypass to the engine by slightly opening the throttle plate or by creating an intake vacuum leak. Do not allow the idle speed to exceed typical idle rpm.

1. Using a hand-held vacuum pump, slowly apply 5-10 in. Hg (17-34 kPa) of vacuum to the EGR valve nipple.
   1. If the idle speed drops more than 100 rpm with the vacuum applied and returns to normal after the vacuum is removed, the EGR valve is OK.
   2. If the idle speed does not drop more than 100 rpm with the vacuum applied and return to normal after the vacuum is removed, inspect the EGR valve for a blockage; clean it if a blockage is found. Replace the EGR valve if no blockage is found, or if cleaning the valve does not remedy the malfunction.
   
   

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.

Symptoms
You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.

Causes
A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:
* The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
* There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
* The EGR valve is faulty
* The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum


For several solutions ans next steps, in fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit:
* Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
* Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
* Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
* Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
* Replace the EGR valve

Hope this helped (remember comment and rated this).

Technical Description

Insufficient EGR Flow

What does that mean?

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.


You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.k.a. pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.
Causes

A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

* The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
* There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
* The EGR valve is faulty
* The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Possible Solutions

In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

* Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
* Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
* Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
* Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
* Replace the EGR valve

dpbeffe sensors on fords are a common problem I had the same issue with several fords of same year new sensor from ford only cost me 38$ from ford just make sure both tubes to dpfe are clear though any blockage screws up the reading from the sensor

Insufficient EGR Flow Detected

Possible Causes:
DPFE sensor signal circuit is shorted to ground
DPFE sensor VREF circuit is open between sensor and PCM
DPFE sensor downstream hose off or plugged
DPFE sensor hoses both off, loose or damaged
DPFE sensor hoses connected wrong (reversed)
EGR orifice tube is damaged or restricted
PCM has failed
And what sets the code is…….Engine started, engine running in closed loop under steady cruise conditions, and the PCM detected the DPFE sensor input indicated insufficient EGR gas flow. Run the KOER Self-Test, and if DTC P1408 is present, the fault is currently present. This code sets in 2 Trip(s). The light will stay on until the cause is repaired. A bad EGR valve is only on possible cause.

Hope this helps,

Dave

it is your EGR Valve. EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve
, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.

Causes A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

• The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
• There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
• The EGR valve is faulty
• The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

Possible Solutions In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

• Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
• Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
• Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
• Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
• Replace the EGR valve

LOCATION:
drivers side of the engine bay, just under the intake manifold plenum where the throttle body bolts up! If you take the air snokel off you'll see it better! It has a remote mountted vaccum solenoid with a 2 wire connector going to it that you should be able to see near the throttle body.
Follow the hose from the solenoid down to the valve and you'll find it!

hopes this helps-------lebones