clearing codes for 00' windstar 3.8..mass air and egr

[bochnak]

My old man had the codes read by Autozone indicating a mass air flow sensor and egr valve. After I replace these components, how do I clear the codes or get the check engine light to turn off? Disconnect battery???

Any tips or comments on the upcoming repairs?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

00' windstar 3.8L

[busboy4]

Hi,
You might post the codes if you have them so we can share info if we have dealt with the same codes. After the repairs the light may go out after a certain number of drive cycles (don't know exactly how many, 5 I think), or, you can go back to autozone, and the scanner that reads them can also clear them.

[Doug360]

Disconnecting the battery will clear the codes. After you disconnect, step on the brake just to make sure the vehicle's power is totally drained.

[bochnak]

Originally Posted by busboy4

Hi,
You might post the codes if you have them so we can share info if we have dealt with the same codes. After the repairs the light may go out after a certain number of drive cycles (don't know exactly how many, 5 I think), or, you can go back to autozone, and the scanner that reads them can also clear them.

Thanks for the quick response. I don't have the codes on me, sorry. I will try the cycles, if not, I'll go back to Autozone to have them cleared.

Thanks,
Matt

[bochnak]

Originally Posted by Doug360

Disconnecting the battery will clear the codes. After you disconnect, step on the brake just to make sure the vehicle's power is totally drained.

Thanks. It looks like I might have to remove the battery anyway to gain better access to the EGR valve.

-Matt

[Johnny Mullet]

Before you clear the codes, at least try to get them and post them here so we may direct you on fixing the initial problem.

[corning_d3]

If you can get away with NOT dis-connecting the battery, don't. The PCM will have to re-learn everything, plus you gotta re-do the radio presets..

[bochnak]

I have replaced the mass air sensor and egr valve. Still getting a code "insufficient flow to egr."

I tried cleaning the block passage best as possible. Should I go back in there with a wire pipe cleaning brush? Any tips?

Thanks,
Matt

[busboy4]

Hi Matt

Once again, it would be nice to know the codes you are getting. With that said, last time I dealt with EGR insufficient flow, I changed the DPFE sensor to deal with it as directed by others on the board. It worked. I would guess the code is P0401.

[corning_d3]

I agree, it's either the DPFE EGR valve-controller, or the EGR pipe from the valve to the exhaust pipe could be clogged. If either of the hoses going to the DPFE sensor were clogged, I would think it could cause a code. The part you'll mostly likely have to buy usually isn't cheap, either. It's called a Delta Pressure Feedback Exhaust Gas Sensor, It's controls the vacuum signal to the EGR valve. DPFE for short.....

[wiswind]

EGR valve RARELY fails on the windstar.
Insufficient flow, first thing would be the DPFE, as advised, when you change it......check the flexible hoses that go to it......to make sure that they are in good contition, no cracked, clogged, etc.
The other thing to check is the vaccum line that goes from the top of the EGR valve, to the EGR vaccum control solenoid, and the vaccum line from the EGR vaccum control solenoid to the vaccum source.

Another thing that can cause the insufficient EGR flow is clogged EGR ports in the lower intake manifold. You have to remove the upper intake manifold to get to them.....and the crud will be right at the end of each port (1 for each cylinder).

The DPFE will be much easier to replace than the EGR valve was.
And the Vaccum lines, while you have to be patient and thorough.....is easier yet to check.....and the cheapest.