Bad EGR or Bad Computer?

[Spin]

My car failed smog a couple weeks ago. So I take it in to have it looked at, the reasons why it didn't pass smog were because the NOX was high and the CEL came on during the test. A while back when I ran codes it returned EGR. So I drop it off at the mechanic on Saturday before I go out of town. I return Tuesday and don't have any message on the answering machine. I call up the place I left it at and I'm told that they can't get the EGR to turn on or off by controlling it from the computer. Furthermore, the computer can't control the EGR whatsoever. Therefore, it might be a bad computer. I find a bad computer hard to believe but I don't think they're trying to rip me off because he said if it is the computer, he won't do it and told me to take it to Ford if it indeed is the computer. However, I don't believe it is the computer, everything else is fine so why would the computer be acting up just with the EGR? I'm thinking I should tell them to just replace the EGR with a new one and be done with it. Just wondering everyone's thoughts on this, if just replacing the EGR will fix the problem or if you guys think it could be the computer.

Thanks.

 

[SHOZ123]

The driver that turns the EGR vacuum solenoid on and off could be bad. Or the PCM may not be able to process the DPFE sensor inputs.

 

[NoSlo]

I think you need to pull the codes out yourself. If it's a 332, it may just be clogged up EGR passages in the intake, which wouldn't require any parts. I would definitely take it to a better mechanic who will go through the proper diagnostic procedures.

 

[Spin]

thanks for the replies guys. Last time I ran the codes I got 33 (since I have a '91) which is .. "ALL - EGR did not open/ respond during test or if memory code did not open intermittently". I'm supposed to talk with this mechanic again on Monday. I'll see what he has to say and keep everyone updated.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Bad EGR or bad computer? Bad mechanic!

As covered above, you're probably looking at one of three issues:

a. Clogged EGR passages ("nostrils") in intake
b. Bad DPFE sensor
c. Bad EGR solenoid

I put them in order of what I suspect would be most likely.

 

[LeddZepp8687]

If it were me I would get a brand new DPFE sensor assembly, I threw a shitload of EGR codes for the longest time, I had cleaned that damn thing out like 10 times too. Finnally replaced the DPFE and no more codes. just my $.02

 

[Spin]

i agree with you guys. i talked with the mechanic today he is still convinced it's the computer. he said he replaced the solenoid and that didn't help so i'll tell him tomorrow when i talk to him to do the DPFE sensor assem since I haven't told him to go ahead with the computer yet. he said the computer is $240 and if that doesn't fix the problem he won't charge me for it but i think he'll just be wasting his time and i trust everyone here more than him so yeah. i'll keep everyone updated

 

[SHOZ123]

Well sooner or later if enough parts get replaced the problem will get fixed. It's always a good idea to see if any electrical circuits are working to see the voltages and such. Solenoid coils can be read for resistance. There are diagnostic routines on the Ford CDs that will walk you through step by step. A bit technical though.

 

[Spin]

well, another day another struggle with this mechanic. he calls me this morning at 8:30 which was about an hour ago. I talk with him for a minute about his understanding of the problem and even though he isn't an electrical expert he still believes it's the computer. So I drop the idea that I know many people with my car and a few with the same problem, code 33. I explain they cleaned the EGR and replaced the DPFE and problem was solved. He tells me my car doesn't have a DPFE and he is 100% sure it's the computer. A "hmmmmm" from me, then silence follows. About 15 seconds of me thinking, I tell him I'll pick it up ASAP and thanks for his diagnosis. So, I'm thinking I'll just do it myself, I don't got the patience to deal with this s***!! Thanks again guys for all the guidance, saved me a lot of money Oh yeah, he also wanted to replace the cats (which is semi understandable, they're old) however, i told him not to worry about that cause i'm going to re-do the exhaust soon and then he tells me only performance would be from the cats back and I tried to explain to him the whole restriction thing with the exhaust but he just didn't see the big difference. We need to get this man SHO-ified Once again, thanks to everyone