On a 2003 ford focus 2.0 engine what does the code PO401 mean?

On a 2003 ford focus 2.0 engine what does the code PO401 mean?

P0401 Ford - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected

Possible causes

- EGR passage clogged
- Faulty EGR Vacuum Modulator Valve
- Faulty EGR Valve
- Faulty EGR solenoid valve
- EGR solenoid valve harness is open or shorted
- EGR solenoid valve circuit poor electrical connection
- Dead (Weak) battery
- Faulty EGR temperature sensor and circuit
- Exhaust gas leaks

Tech notes

EGR flow malfunction could be caused by a clogged EGR valve or EGR tube. Before replacing any parts try cleaning the EGR valve, tube and passages. If the tubes are clean you may have to replaced the EGR Pressure sensor to fix the problem.

There's a factory service bulletin for the following Ford models:

2000-2002 Ford Taurus
2001-2002 Ford Crown Victoria
2001-2002 Ford Focus
2001-2002 Ford Mustang
2001 Ford Explorer USPS
2001-2002 Ford E Series
2001-2002 Ford Escape
2001-2002 Ford Expedition
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
2001-2002 Ford F-150
2001-2002 Ford Ranger
2001-2002 Ford Windstar
2002-2003 Ford Explorer

When is the code detected?

Low EGR flow control is detected

Possible symptoms

- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
- Possible engine hesitation

P0401 Ford Description

Early Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems component s include and EGR Valve, and Engine Control Controlled Vacuum Switch Valve or EGR Solenoid and an EGR Vacuum Depending on the engine and driving conditions, the will control the EGR Solenoid which will operate the EGR Vacuum to regulate the opening and closing of the EGR Valve.

The EGR system on recently built vehicles uses a step motor to control the flow rate of EGR from exhaust manifold. This motor has four winding phases. It operates according to the output pulse signal of the Two windings are turned ON and OFF in sequence. Each time an ON pulse is issued, the valve opens or closes, changing the flow rate. When no change in the flow rate is needed, the does not issue the pulse signal. Certain voltage signal is issued so that the valve remains at that particular opening.

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