egr check engine sensor

I got a check engine light (cel) on my 2001 Windturd and took it to my local mechanic. The cel indicated that the egr valve was bad. Replaced it w/ a ford part and had the system cleaned. 200 miles later the cel is back. I'm guessing that I might have a bad sensor. Anyway to check the sensor to see if it's good. I prefer using ford parts because they are typically improved to overcome warranty issues versus aftermarket parts. Problem is that Ford won't take a return on an electrical part. I don't want waste any cash on the sensor if I can check it out first. My question is twofold:
1. can I check the sensor?
2. Am I barking up the wrong tree w/ the sensor and might it be something else?

I'd appreciate any insight or help offered. Thanks

The DPFE (EGR flow sensor) is a common failure item.
It is not an expensive part, and is easy to replace.
If it were me.....I would just replace it.

Ditto.

Ditto.

I agree with the replacement but in direct answer to your question they can be checked.

I did mine a few months back (maybe 10 months) and I know I posted all of the information either on this forum or Cartrackers.com. I know one can't post on cartrackers but I still think you can read old posts.

I got the info from a Haynes manual so you can find it there.

Basically you measure the return signal from the DPFE at idle and then with the EGR open (by using a vacuum gauge). If you can't find the infrormtion I will be happy to look it up for you.

As was mentioned these are common failure items. The new style is black plastic and the old design is alluminium.

Finally got around to getting the sensor from Ford. Installed in about 5 minutes and fixed the problem. The guy at the parts counter said that even the new version is a high failure item. Thanks for the input. CEL is dead for now. Really appreciate the input.

If this happens again, check voltage on the return wire. It should be around 1 volt with key on engine off. Then apply vacuum to EGR and see if voltage climbs to about 4 volts. Should move slowly with the vacuum being applied slowly also. 5 inhg vacuum should open the EGR fully.