DPFE Sensor Circuit High
Table of contents
P1401 MERCURY Possible Causes
- Faulty Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor
- Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor harness is open or shorted
- Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Damaged Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
How do I fix code P1401 MERCURY?
Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.
Tech Notes
- There is a factory service bulletin for the following Mercury models:
- 2000-2002 Mercury Sable
- 2001-2002 Mercury Cougar
- 2001-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2002-2003 Mercury Mountaineer
- Mercury Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P1401 Code
Cost of diagnosing the P1401 MERCURY code
The cost of diagnosing the P1401 MERCURY code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
Possible Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P1401 MERCURY Description
The purpose of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on your engine is to limit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. This is done by redirecting small amounts of exhaust gas back through the upper intake to get mixed in with the air/fuel charge. The resultant diluted air/fuel mixture (i.e., less oxygen per cubic foot) burns cooler and combustion chamber temperatures are reduced accordingly, thereby lowering NOx emissions.
The Ford DPFE/EGR system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The system employs an EGR Valve, an Electronic Vacuum Regulator (EVR), and a Delta Pressure Feedback EGR sensor (DPFE).
The DPFE Sensor measures EGR flow across an orifice located inside the special EGR Tube. The orifice is positioned between two hose ports coming off the tube which are connected to the DPFE sensor with special heat-resistant hoses. When the EGR Valve is open, a pressure differential is created across the orifice (intake manifold pressure vs. exhaust pressure). By design, this difference in pressure is measured by the DPFE sensor in terms of voltage. The DPFE voltage signal output to the PCM is directly proportional to the flow of exhaust gas entering the intake manifold.