Motorcraft 1996 DPFE15 Ford Windstar EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor Logo
Anonymous Posted on Nov 10, 2013

What is the voltage spec for my DPFE sensor?

I'm fighting a p 0401 code. One website says that the DPFE voltage spec values for my 96 Windstar 3.8L are the same as a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer with a 3.8L I watched a You Tube video and the mechanic says that a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer's spec voltage is between .8v and 1.2v. In his example (with vacuum applied to the egr valve), he got 1.96v and he replaced the DPFE. My original DPFE (engine running) had a 1.10 v before I applied vacuum to the egr valve (the gauge stayed steady) and the voltage (on that top wire of 3 wires)increased to 1.41v when vacuum was applied. Idle got rough as I applied vacuum and got smooth when vacuum was removed. I bought a new DPFE and the voltages were 1.07v and 1.36v, when I repeated the test. I bought a 3rd DPFE by Motorcraft and the values are 1.06v and 1.33v For each of the above DPFE units the reference voltage (bottom wire of 3 wires) is 4.97v. I checked the (middle of the 3 wires to B+) return/gnd wire I saw 12.27v, on each DPFE. I read (elsewhere) that the Mountaineer and my 96 Windstar 3.8L had the same specs. My Ford service manual tells me to buy another Fore Emissions Manual and my Haynes book says that the voltage, when the engine is cold should be .2 - .7v and when hot 3v to 6v. None of my DPFE sensors would go past 1.41v with the engine hot. After a test drive of 25 miles on the interstate, I think that my engine is hot enough to get these bigger voltages. What are the voltage specs for my DPFE with no vacuum and with vacuum?

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Vincent Saelzler

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  • Posted on Nov 27, 2013
Vincent Saelzler
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Because
1) DPFE Sensor is designed to measure EGR flow
2) You tried severeal DPFE sensors

=> EGR Flow is actually low

Problem could be a dirty EGR valve, or bad solenoid (the thing that directs vacuum to open valve)

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1answer

Code PO401

Exhaust gas recirculation module check:


1. Note the Differential Pressure Feedback Exhaust Gas Recirculation (DPFE) sensor voltage through the scan tool or backprobe the Brown/Light Green (BN/LG) wire of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Module (ESM). Voltage should indicate a reading of 0.5-1.2 volts.

2. If the voltage of the DPFE sensor is out of range, low or high, disconnect the ESM and note that the voltage of the DPFE sensor circuit should indicate a reading of 5.0 volts.

3. If the DPFE sensor voltage is out of range connected and the reading shows 5.0 volts with the ESM disconnected, reconnect the ESM and verify that the Brown/White (BN/WH) wire shows a 5.0 volt reading and that the Grey/Red (GY/RD) wire shows to be a good ground, indicating a voltage of less than 0.1 volts. If these circuits check to be ok, replace the ESM due to a faulty DPFE sensor.

4. If the DPFE sensor voltage in step 1 is found to be ok, verify that both vacuum hoses to the ESM have full engine vacuum to them when it's running.

5. With the engine idling, backprobe the Brown/Pink (BN/PK) wire and hold it to ground. This should activate the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Vacuum Regulator (EVR) solenoid of the ESM. The EGR valve should open, the engine should run rough, and the DPFE sensor voltage should climb.

6. Replace the ESM for a faulty EGR valve, EVR solenoid, or DPFE sensor if the DPFE sensor or engine does not respond to ground activation of the BN/PK wire
1helpful
1answer

Code po401

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 SolutionsIn 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'sicon1.png & 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
2helpful
1answer

Got code p0401 for my 2000 ford winstar sel and my engine light is on can anyone help me?

Hi there:
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

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; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.


Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day
0helpful
1answer

What is code 0401 insufficient flow to EGR valve

A code P0401 likely means one ormore 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 vacuum
PossibleSolutionsTo fix this code, it is quite commonfor people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. TheEGR 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 noticeable 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
0helpful
1answer

Had P 0401, replaced EGR valve light went off now its back on with same code what could it be?

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
0helpful
2answers

Kia sportage 2005 diesel. code 0401 keeps coming up after driving 40-80 km (distance) the egr valve has been replaced first time with a bosch unit and then with a kia genuine part but still the same code...

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
1helpful
1answer

My check engine light is on with a code p0401; what could be the problem beside bad EGR valve?

other problem

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)

1helpful
1answer

2002 Mercury cugar P0401 and P1401

DTC 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.

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


DTC P1401 - Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit High Voltage

I think that you need a new DPFE; first check it, you could also have something restricted. There are ports in the throttle body that can cause this as well. Check THIS LINK.

Hope helps.
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Po1401 code comes out. car surges. wasting gas. trouble putting gas.

Answer P1401 - DPF EGR Sensor Circuit High Voltage Detected The EGR monitor checks the DPFE sensor signal to the PCM for high voltage. The test fails when the average voltage to the PCM goes to a voltage greater than the maximum calibrated value. Possible causes: DPFE circuit open VREF short to PWR Damaged DPFE sensor DPFE circuit short to PWR SIGNAL RTN circuit open Damaged PCM Look at scan data stream for a reading greater than 4.5 volts with the key ON and engine OFF or running. This indicates a hard fault.
3helpful
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How to fix code 401 on 2001 eclipse

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 vacuum

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 noticeable 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
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