The Escort DPFE sensor is also known as the Delta Pressure Feedback EGR sensor. It’s primary function is to actuate your EGR system. When the Ford DPFE sensor goes bad, it’s going to cause some common Ford Escort issues that are caused by a faulty EGR system. Today I will be showing you how to test the different kinds of DPFE sensor, but specifically the one in a 2001 Ford Escort.
If you see your DPFE unit that looks different, or is shaped differently not to worry. I will be showing you how to test it no matter which kind of DPFE sensor is in your Ford. The one that happens to be in our test vehicle is a plastic two pin unit that’s mounted to the intake manifold like the one shown below.
Again if you see that your DPFE is a three pin unit or doesn’t look like the one shown, do not worry. These all work in the same manner and I’ll be showing you how to test the Ford DPFE sensor in your car.
To complete this How To Guide, you will need a few basic tools including a digital multimeter and a hand vacuum pump. The pump can be rented at your local auto store or just buy something like the Mighty Vac.
This plastic Escort DPFE sensor is easy to test using these basic tools. When this sensor goes bad your EGR system will not work properly, triggering your Escort check engine light and causing performance issues. Here’s a few of the other issues associated with a bad DPFE sensor.
Bad Escort DPFE Sensor symptoms
- Lack of Power from your Escort
- Bad gas mileage
- Poor idle characteristics
- Car runs okay until warm and then won’t idle
- Check Engine Light ON
If you see your Ford Escort check engine light on, you’ll need a OBDII scan tool to pull out the codes. Some of the more common trouble codes you will see with a bad DPFE are P0401 for EGR insufficient flow and P1406 for EGR valve Pintle failure.
Testing your Ford Escort DPFE sensor
The first part of testing the Ford DPFE sensor is to check for power. In this two pin example this is easily done. First get into your Escort and turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Now locate and disconnect your two pin DPFE sensor, and you will be probing PIN 1 for a switched power signal.
You will need to turn the dial on your multimeter to read DC voltage. Now put the black probe on the negative terminal of your Ford battery. Gently and carefully probe PIN 1 with the red lead.
With the key turned to the ON position this wire should transit a 12 volt signal.
If you don’t have voltage at this wire, there’s a problem or break in your Ford engine wiring. Check your Ford Escort wiring to make sure that the connector is not damaged or has any exposed wiring.
PIN 2 of your Ford Escort DPFE is for your Solenoid Control Signal. This signal is triggered by your Powertrain Control Module or your PCM. If your Ford DPFE is a three wire unit, this part is also easily tested using your multimeter. Following the previous setup, you’ll need to disconnect the three pin connector and probe PIN 3 of the Ford DPFE.
The ground circuit is located at PIN 2 of the DPFE wiring connector.
If you have power and ground at your Delta Pressure Feedback EGR sensor, the next part of the test involves the use of your hand pump.
You will be applying vacuum at the port to ensure that your Escort DPFE sensor is working correctly. To do this you will need to disconnect the top nipple of your EGR valve.
Make sure to keep your hands, clothing and tools clear of your engine. Now have a friend start your engine and allow it to idle. Now disconnect the EGR valve and attach a vacuum hose from your hand pump. Start applying vacuum to the top of the EGR valve slowly.
Apply 5 in.Hg to the top port of your EGR valve and the engine should start idling poorly. The vacuum of your hand pump should hold steady, if it starts going down immediately make sure that there are no leaks at the vacuum hose.
If your engine starts to struggle to maintain idle, and you vacuum pump holds steady this means that your EGR valve is working correctly. It also means that the passages in the intake manifold are clear and free of any carbon obstruction.
However if your vacuum pump is losing pressure and there seems to be a positive seal of your vacuum hose, this means that the EGR valve has failed. If the diaphragm has torn inside your EGR valve, you will need to replace it.
Remove your EGR valve and check it for any carbon deposits at the inlet. Replace your EGR valve if needed and use your OBDII scan tool to clear any Ford Escort trouble codes.
Have any questions about this Escort DPFE sensor testing guide? Leave us a comment below and let us know!