itsnotbadgas

My 2002 Sable has been running like crap for three weeks, starting when the engine light came on. The car sort of lunges or surges periodically while driving, particularly at 25-45 mph. It is as if the engine loses power and then regains it very rapidly, sometimes over and over again but with no regular interval, and with no distinctive sound. My gas mileage has also been awful. My friend suggested that it could be the EGR sensor, and lo and behold when we plugged in his diagnostic tool that is what it read out. Here are the error codes.

p1400 differential pressure feedback egr circuit low input
p0402 exhaust gas recirculation flow excessive detected
p0401 exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient detected

What does all this mean? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Eric

RickMN

Read this

Ford EGR

__________________
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/

itsnotbadgas

Well I had my mechanic take a look at it. I took him about an hour or so of driving to feel it, but when he did he saw what I was talking about. It's a nasty problem. Really jolts the hell out of you. He couldn't duplicate the codes on his machine and took it to a transition specialist who said it isn't the trans. He doesn't know what to do, and aside from replacing the EGR sensor at a cost of 50 bucks and some painful labor (the EGR is in a tough to reach spot on the Sable) I don't know what to do.

tbird100636

Uh, no it's not... it's right next to the EGR valve on a 3.0L Vulcan and directly in back of the upper intake manifold on a 3.0L Duratec. You just disconnect the wiring, and pull the sensor off the tubes. You may have to twist it a little or the hoses a little to get it off. Half an hour at the most.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

itsnotbadgas

So what do you guys suggest I replace since it looks like I'll be doing this myself?

tbird100636

It is the most common failure for these codes. There was a TSB for it out I don't remember the year span. My 2001 Taurus SEL was part of it.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

SHOZ123

It's usually the DPFEgr sensor that is bad. To actually test to see if the EGR valve is working disconnect the vacuum line and while the car is idling put a hose on the valve vacuum port and manually apply vacuum. It should cause the engine to stumble.

itsnotbadgas

Hey guys, I tested the DPFE and was getting around 5 volts from the light green wire, while I should have been getting about 1. I replaced the DPFE today with a new 80 dollar one from the local dealership (its a dealership only part apparently) and it seems to work like a charm.

Thanks to all for the help!

tbird100636

AutoZone sels them under the Wells brand for probably half of what you paid at the dealer. A few years ago I paid $70 for one at AutoZone, I've heard their price has since gone down. They call it an EGR pressure sensor.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

itsnotbadgas

The local auto parts store told me it is a dealership only part.