Pep boys charges$80 for code or reset. Check Engine light still on

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  #16  
Old 02-04-2003 | 10:13 PM
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Took off DPFE and sprayed with carborator cleaner and WD40, (what the hell) checked EGR with oral suction, Enginr started stalling so I guess that checkes out ok. Reset computer (disconnected battery with lights on). Drove around for about a half hour. No Check Engine light yet. Will replace DPFE next if light goes on. Ray
 
  #17  
Old 02-05-2003 | 09:52 PM
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Sure enough, CEL went on again so I bought a DPFE and reset computer. If this does not work I may be out of ideas. Any further suggestions. Ray
 
  #18  
Old 02-06-2003 | 09:56 AM
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R

Ray,

I want to see if I got the order of events down.

Clean EGR : 1st Mechanic
Test EGR with Vac applied engine started to stall : Ray
Clean DPFE : Ray
Replaced DPFE : Ray

Is this actually a P0401 code ? I see the test that leads me to believe this, but did you actually get the code from the mechanic and the goobers ?

As well as the post in this thread, I have seen others that say cleaning the MAFS is a cure for a P0401 code ( I thought that was the un-documented fix on a Lean Bank * code )

This is what one member posted, but it did not say straight away if he tested it by applying vac to the line or not before proceeding.
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=102422

One member claimed that his P0401 was caused by a EVR Solenoid. Just what I read, I don't make this stuff up. Here is how is tested it, and the outcome.
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ighlight=P0401

I have also seen the IAC claimed to be the cause of a 401 code, but agian just what I read in threads.
Did you check for cracked Vac lines ? This is beyond the test of applying vac to the EGR line. This might be more along the lines of the EVR problem, but always a good check to take a look at.

So if you are replacing the DPFE you might as well take another 15 min and clean the MAFS and reset the PCM and see what happens.

Just a few thoughts, and posts on the topic, but more so I wanted to make sure I have it all together before sending you off on a wild goose chase.

Let us know what happens.

Steve
 
  #19  
Old 02-06-2003 | 10:33 AM
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Yes I was told that it is a P0401 by Pe3p boys and other shop. Kind of late but I just bought a an Equus 3100 code scanner. Will get it in a few days. I tried to clean the MAFS with carb cleaner. I believe that the MAFS is on the air intake just to the inside of the air filter. In any case it,s been a day and I drove the truck for a total of 1 hr. and no CEL yet. Wait and see. this afternoon I have to drive 40 miles. Will see how that goes. Thanks Ray
 
  #20  
Old 02-06-2003 | 10:55 AM
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R

If you have a problem with the EGR it would be set either 1 or 2 times of driving steady state over 48 mph.
The EEGR system is monitored once per drive cycle over this speedin steady state. So if would have set, it should be on the 1st or 2nd drive cycle to set the code. At least that is what I am recalling I am not 100% sure right now if this is a 1 or 2 drive cycle code.

So either it was the DPFE or the MAFS cleaning that did it ( if you did both at the same time ? ).

This is the MAFS ( Mass Air Flow Sensor )
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...2028-49703.jpg

The little round area off to the left on the bar is what needed to be cleaned, if it was this.

Hopefully you got it, let us know after another 1 or 2 drive cycles, just to be sure you nailed it.
 
  #21  
Old 02-06-2003 | 11:10 PM
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Drove about 60 miles in 1 1/2 hours and check engine light did not go on YET. I am convinced that the cause for the P0401 was the DPFE as many here suggested. The first shop that I took the F150 to wanted additional $250 to clean the intake. Pep Boys wanted an additional 2 hr at $71/hr. labor plus parts to continue to diagnose problem. that was on top of the $80 for retriving code. Hopefully changing the DPFE has solved the CEL problem. I would like to thank all the guys here for helping. I have learned a lot about my truck.Ray
 
  #22  
Old 02-06-2003 | 11:39 PM
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R

Ray,

Good to hear you are back on it again.

Do yourself a samll vafor, and get a code scanner.

Think of it as the next time you have this happen, no worry to get a code scanned for you, you can do it yourself.

Actron makes a Ford specific scanner for somethig like 45.00, but this does not clear codes.

The actron that does all makes and models, and can read and clear codes is something like 200.00, if you feel compelled to do that. Myself I went with the all brands one, I can use it on friends cars if need be, you will become the gearhead of the block if you have one of these

Steve
 
  #23  
Old 02-07-2003 | 11:37 PM
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STAY AWAY FROM PEP BOYS!!!!

Pep Boys Service is the biggest rip-off since snake oil salesmen and insurance! I took my mustang there....ONCE.....because my heater wouldn't work. They said I needed a new thermostat and heater coil. Long story short, $350 later they said I had heat, but still no heat. So I check the parts they SAID they replaced....guess what, they were never even touched! I took the car straight back and explained to them that I KNOW they didn't do what they said and demanded my money back. the guy at the counter says they DID do the work they claimed they did. I said, "Now you're calling me a liar? Do you know what happens to people that call me a liar?" I got my money back. Took the car to a mechanic friend of my dad's....the temperature control switch had gone bad....he charged $10......STAY AWAY FROM PEP BOYS!!! unless you're burning one down
 
  #24  
Old 02-08-2003 | 09:42 AM
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Went back to Pep Boys and demended the $80 back. Service person lied to me in regard to needing scanner to reset computer. Showed Ford receipt for purchasing DPFE and got $80 back. He still insested that you need scanner to reset computer. I know from first hand experience (now) that you can reset computer by disconnecting battery with lights on. 90 miles , 3 hours of driving and no check engine light I did buy a Equus 3100 code scanner, For the next time, I hope. Ray
 
  #25  
Old 02-10-2003 | 10:01 AM
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Hmmm... sounds like PepBoys really does SUCK!! They charge you money and the mechanics just hump each other in the repair shop in your vehicle.
 
  #26  
Old 02-11-2003 | 01:09 PM
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Never in a million years would I have work done on my truck at a Pep Boys!!!
 
  #27  
Old 02-12-2003 | 01:18 AM
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For anyone, in the future, who gets a CEL PO401 diagnostic code. It seems Ford recommends to just go ahead and replace the (D)PFE. I found this on the other Ford Board. Written, apparently, by a Ford technician regarding "EGR Valve insufficient flow"

"If only we could get people to post what code they came up with instead of just what the code meant P0401 continuous and P1408 are the common ones.

Ford now says if we see a P0401 to not even pinpoint test it but to simply replace the PFE, clear the code and boot it out. They pay .3 hours to do it"
 
  #28  
Old 02-13-2003 | 08:51 AM
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Yeap, been about a week now and CEL still OFF. DPFE did it!!. New code scanner still in box, will save it for the next crises. Ray
 
  #29  
Old 02-13-2003 | 06:53 PM
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Seems Fords had so much trouble with their DPFE sensors that they have extended the warranty on some of their vehicals. My wife got a letter last week on her '01 Sport Trac saying they are extending the warranty on them for another 24,000 miles. If you had it replaced out of warranty they'll reinburse you for it.
 
  #30  
Old 02-16-2003 | 10:56 AM
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My F150 is a rebuilt vehicle and has a rebuit title. Don't think that the warranty is in effect with a rebuilt vehicle. Is it? Ray
 


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