Egr code still present after changing solinoid and checking valve

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus with 168,000 miles on it. after a tune up I also had the check engine light come. I looked for answers and took it upon myself to change some of the obvious things. I replaced the EGR valve and the vacuum solenoid. Still wouldn't clear the code. Found a site (Link at the bottom) that said it is the EGR Pressure sensor that is the root of all these darn codes. It's located between the intake and the firewall. It has a connector and 2 rubber hose connections. $35 bucks later and what do you know...all fixed, now I can smog this thing. wish I would have found this info sooner. 2000 Taurus

Hi there,

Well done on obtainging this code.

Code P0401 = Insufficient EGR circuit Flow

The EGR circuit consists of i) EGR Valve; ii) actuator solenoid; iii) differential pressure sensor. These components work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation, depending on engine temperature, load, etc. So, when code P0401 is triggered, this means the computer has detected an insufficient amount of EGR somewhere within this circuit.

So, with this said, the possible causes are:

• Differential Pressure (DPFE) Sensor is faulty
• A blockage in the EGR Tube, possible caused by Carbon buildup
• Faulty EGR Valve
• Lack of vaccuum to the EGR valve (i.e. valve cannot open)

Note: replacing the EGR valve should only be done, after checking the other components are ok and confirming there is proper vaccuum present.


Hope this helps.....





"Please rate this solution"

You may be able to remove the egr valve and spray brake cleaner, carb cleaner, or let it soak in something like seafoam for about 15 mins and the spray it with brake or carb cleaner. This works for me. Good Luck

is it code P0401? If so the DPFE sensor is bad. It is the sensor to the EGR valve. Very common

Ford Taurus SES 3.0 L 6-cylinder
EGR valve are directly behind the intake manifold.



I listen from Taurus owners that just had the same problem (EGR insufficient and EGR excessive) and they replaced the EGR valve and the 4 oxygen sensors (if you do this use Ford sensors). This didn't fix the problem; then changed the Vacuum Regulator Solenoid and a tube mounted sensor part numbers F63Z-9J459-AA, and 4U7Z-9J460-AA. this fixed my check engine light and code issues, as well as it stopped idling so high that it caused the trans to jump into gear. It sometimes jumped so hard that he thought he had a broken motor mount.

Good luck (remember rated this).

check tps senser

Check to make sure the ignition wires are not to close the the DPFE wiring. The DPFE measures EGR operation. If faulty it could cause unwanted EGR operation and misfires (resulting in unburnt fuel).

maybe the cold start solinoid is faulty so after a few bumps when by then the car is warm it will be ok all day

Check your idle air valve, maybe your air filter needs to be changed. EGR valve may need to be checked at as well.

You need to replace the dpfe sensor this will fix it.