What is this? Quick Q.

[aussiedave]

It's a disc shaped object about 4 inches diameter just behind and slightly below the IAC valve on my '03 Taurus. It has a plug on connection on the top which appears damaged when you pull it off - the bottom of it is busted off and it would not form a proper seal in that condition in my opinion.
ad.

[Breeves002]

My guess is it is the EGR valve. Well that is the vacuum tube that makes the EGR work. You will have a check engine light saying code p0401 if it isn't working correctly. That means that the EGR valve won't open when it is supposed to.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by Breeves002

My guess is it is the EGR valve. Well that is the vacuum tube that makes the EGR work. You will have a check engine light saying code p0401 if it isn't working correctly. That means that the EGR valve won't open when it is supposed to.

Thanks Sam - had a sneaking suspicion it was the EGR. It's the one of the few components I have not checked or cleaned. Looks like I have a little project for the day.
ad.

[Breeves002]

If you don't have a P0401 code the cable is probably fine. If it wasn't giving the proper vacuum to the EGR valve the DPFE would notice it and the PCM would set the code. So honestly you shouldn't need to do anything. If you take a picture of the hose, I can advise you if you need to replace it or not.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by Breeves002

If you don't have a P0401 code the cable is probably fine. If it wasn't giving the proper vacuum to the EGR valve the DPFE would notice it and the PCM would set the code. So honestly you shouldn't need to do anything. If you take a picture of the hose, I can advise you if you need to replace it or not.

The cable fits on snug enough to where it doesn't move around but I was more concerned with the EGR itself - it has some paint flaking off it and I haven't cleaned it in the 6 years I have owned it...
ad.

[Breeves002]

If you aren't getting a P0401 or P0402 code it is probably okay.

It's good to clean it, no need to replace it though. Mine wasn't cleaned for 12 years and never had a problem. Finally cleaned it for the first time several months ago. Wasn't even that dirty.

Remember if you get the P0401 code it means it isn't opening enough or correctly and the flow is insufficient. If you get P0402 it means it is stuck open. The valve should be closed at idle and WOT. It should open some at all other throttle positions. The computer will decide how much it should open though.

Of course more than likely those codes are caused by a bad DPFE sensor and not the EGR valve...

Cleaning it doesn't hurt though! You should replace, or at least clean off the gaskets if you remove it to clean the valve.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by Breeves002

If you aren't getting a P0401 or P0402 code it is probably okay.

It's good to clean it, no need to replace it though. Mine wasn't cleaned for 12 years and never had a problem. Finally cleaned it for the first time several months ago. Wasn't even that dirty.

Remember if you get the P0401 code it means it isn't opening enough or correctly and the flow is insufficient. If you get P0402 it means it is stuck open. The valve should be closed at idle and WOT. It should open some at all other throttle positions. The computer will decide how much it should open though.

Of course more than likely those codes are caused by a bad DPFE sensor and not the EGR valve...

Cleaning it doesn't hurt though! You should replace, or at least clean off the gaskets if you remove it to clean the valve.

Will check those code numbers and see what shows.
Thanks for your time and helpful info friend - much appreciated.
ad.

[Breeves002]

Anytime! Always here to help.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by aussiedave

It's a disc shaped object about 4 inches diameter just behind and slightly below the IAC valve on my '03 Taurus. It has a plug on connection on the top which appears damaged when you pull it off - the bottom of it is busted off and it would not form a proper seal in that condition in my opinion.
ad.

Frustration continues.
The car idles fine - she purrs like a cat. Just occasionally, when she has had a run, when you start her up after sitting for about an hour, she will idle a little rough, but not that bad.
The real problem is out on the road - put your foot down around 3/4 throttle, and she breaks down badly - kicks and bucks like a mule.
Just wondering if I installed the spark plug wires out of order?
ad.

[behlinla]

Bucking at high RPM sound like a bad cam syncro if you have the OHV engine.