DPFE sensor

[DeCaff2006]

Where is it? Anyone that can tell me this or even post a pic as to what it looks like, would be a great help. I've heard this is a common problem but In know almost nothing about Windstars.

1997 Windstar 3.0 (might be for sale soon)

[Millermagic]

I'm guessing it would be in the same place as on a 3.0 Taurus ... much past that I can't help.

Maybe ask in the Taurus forum?

[DeCaff2006]

Hmm... I appreciate the reply but that really doesn't answer my question.

I guess nobody cares anymore.

[phil-l]

The DPFE on Windstar 3.8 models is mounted right near the front valve cover. Very easy to get to.

Trying to find picture...

Later edit:

Look at the first picture here:

http://www.leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

...it's marked with a green box.

Yeah, I know - not the same as a 3.0, but I couldn't find a 3.0 picture. The sensor should look the same and (more importantly) will have the same two tubes coming from the exhaust manifold, so it should be easy to track down.

[busboy4]

Hi
in looking at the diagram in my manual, I believe it should be easily visible from the front of the car. I think you will find it just forward of the throttle body, just above and to the right of the oil dipstick (from memory here so bear with me). It is a rectanular object (about 1.5" X 3.5") with an electrical connector and two hoses coming off going down to the exhaust line leading to the egr.

Here is a photo from a Focus website I believe. Your DPFE should look the same, but it will not be on the firewall like the one shown.

http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=80

[DeCaff2006]

Yep, thank you all.

I am 99% sure I have located it. UNFORTUNATELY.... I don't have a camera, otherwise I would post a pic of this dreaded DPFE on a Windstar 3.0 for all to see.

BTW: If anyone remembers the damn coil spring recall.... mine just recently broke and WOOHOO it was covered under 'recall warranty'! I was able to get both coil springs replaced for free.

[rivguy]

if you still have any questions follow the egr tube from the egr valve - in the tube there will be 2 rubber lines that come off - the sensor hooks to the end of those rubber lines

[mowce55]

Actually the DPFE is not always in the front like that pictures shows. I drive a 2001 windstar SEL and the DPFE is located in the back attached to firewall. It is not rectangular like the picture shows either. It is actually round.

Originally Posted by phil-l

The DPFE on Windstar 3.8 models is mounted right near the front valve cover. Very easy to get to.

Trying to find picture...

Later edit:

Look at the first picture here:

http://www.leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

...it's marked with a green box.

Yeah, I know - not the same as a 3.0, but I couldn't find a 3.0 picture. The sensor should look the same and (more importantly) will have the same two tubes coming from the exhaust manifold, so it should be easy to track down.

[chasealley]

I drive a 2001 as well and mine is a rectangular box on top of a couple vacuum lines just above the EGR.

There was a TSB or recall for DPFE on 2001. Maybe yours is the recall item that has been replaced? Not sure. I would think it hard to get from the EGR metal tube in the front all the way to the firewall.

There is an item on the firewall that has a couple vac lines going to it including one from the manifold. It has a cylindrical shaped cap on top and is actually the cannister purge valve for the EVAP system. Could that be what you are thinking of?

[busboy4]

HI
this is kind of an interesting discussion. I had too much time on my hands and went over to Ebay to look at pictures. Looking at engine photos of the '01's and '02's you can clearly see the EGR valve below the throttle body where it "always" is, but no sign of the DPFE (at least not obvious). Yet, on the '00's and '03's it is clearly visible on the front valve cover on the back (driver's) end of the engine. Interesting how they moved it around. I don't put it past Ford to have it buried in back on the 1's and 2's. My friend's Explorer has it completely out of sight on the back side of the engine. I had to climb on top of the engine and work blindly to remove it.

[chasealley]

Like the IMRC actuator, the DPFE has been a high failure item. In the 2001 my IMRC actuator is electronic instead of vac (happened in 1999 according to 12Ounce). I know there was a recall for DPFE on my van so I'm sure some reworking was done - maybe midyear?

Either way, I've still got the same old junky DPFE on my 2001.

[busboy4]

Hey
I just was at a friend's house looking at their '02. It has the EGR in the normal spot. However, what serves as the DPFE is a small 11/2" X 2" solid state device. Rather than the two rubber tubes that attach to the "conventional" DPFE, the two tubes are metal. As they have gone back to the old DPFE, I suppose this one did not work out either? Curious.