How does dpfe work

When it opens, it allows intake manifold vacuum from port 5 to flow into port 6 on the top side of the EGR valve. The vacuum pulls up on the diaphragm, lifting the pintle off the pintle seat. With the pintle off its seat, exhaust pressure forces exhaust gas up through the EGR tube, the EGR valve, and into the intake manifold at port 4. On the way up to the EGR valve, the exhaust gas passes through a restriction. The DPFE sensor hoses are connected to ports 1 and 2—before and after the restriction.

By comparing and reporting the differences in pressure, the computer can determine exactly how much exhaust gas is flowing through the EGR valve.

Exhaust gas contains water vapor. Ford did consider the ramifications of this water vapor getting into the DPFE and forming ice. Do it yourselfers and professional technicans make an all-too-common mistake if they automatically replace the EGR valve when they see an EGR related code. In fact, the valve itself is usually the most reliable component in the system.

Look for cracks or tears. Hello Magnus. I am having problems with my EGR system. Hey Thomas I have heard of other people having the same problem. Most of them have found that it was a faulty DPFE sensor. They had bought after market DPFE sensors.

When they bought a DPFE through a dealership it instantly fixed the problem. Hello I am concerned about my car several lights come on and I need, help. I can still drive the car the EPC light comes on and some lights never went off since I got the car fixed. But it ran smoothly better than before? Thank you so much for the excellent piece on the DPFE. I have never read such a clear explanation.

Contents show. Poor Engine Performance. Reduced Fuel Economy. Failed Emissions Tests. Check Engine Light. Still have questions? Leave a reply.

If you have a car question, submit it to our community for a faster answer. Cancel reply. Your Comment. If an increase in the flow of EGR is required, the powertrain control module PCM valve rises the duty cycle into the Electronic vacuum regulator. The increase in duty cycle permits more vacuum to get in EGR valve thus opening the pintle wider consequently increasing EGR valve flows. When the right amount is determined, the PCM sends the suitable signals to the Electronic Vacuum Regulator solenoid to precisely regulate the amount of gas is flowing.

There are only a few to look for when it comes to knowing the different symptoms of a bad DPFE sensor. Here are the top signs that your vehicle may show:.

If you notice that the check engine light comes on when you have rough idling problems, you will most likely probably have a problem with your EGR system. Once you begin noticing that your vehicle has lost power when accelerating, this is a significant indicator that it could be a problem that is related to the DPFE sensor. This will also decrease the fuel economy performance, and your vehicle will begin to consume more fuel than usual.

An emission test would be something that a professional mechanic will run to confirm if there is a problem related to any vehicle ERG systems. A failing exhaust gas recirculation test could potentially lead to a DPFE sensor replacement.

It is not a guarantee that dpfe sensors that come pre-installed in vehicles will always function as expected. The DPFE sensor will sometime in its life time fail and start sending the wrong information to the powertrain control module. The PCM valve controls the amount of exhausted air that is mixed with gasoline before it is sent to the engine. This fuel mixture causes a vehicle to do unfamiliar things like staggering, lurching or jumping.

It is, therefore, important to maintain this sensor in good condition to optimize the EGR functioning. When the dpfe sensor fails , it becomes less sensitive and the PCM reacts like there is a reduction in the recirculated nitrogen oxide gas than it should be. To burn more gas, the PCM valve opens the actuator than the required limit. Eventually this leads to the production of the lean mixture.

The DPFE sensor should, therefore, be replaced every 30k miles travel distance. Complete DPFE sensor failure process is slow and sometimes it is realized after it is destroyed. Regular checks should therefore be conducted to establish the efficiency of this small device. If you experience some stumble or hesitation while traveling, this might be the high time to change the dpfe sensor.

However, it is advisable to seek other reasons that might cause the same effects.