posted 12-24-2004 06:38 PM               

1. wOBD_full
2. ScanTool
3. OBDScanV330
4. DiagnoseWin21

posted 12-28-2004 08:58 AM            

I'm not a mechanic - I'm a computer geek. I know that just knowing a code does not tell me what part to replace. But it would help if I had a bit more information on what some of the more cryptic codes mean.

Does anyone know of an explanation list for the codes? I don't expect it to tell me what part to replace, but what does "EGR Flow Insufficient" mean in english? Are there any simple things an amateur mechanic can do to remedy some of these issues?

I'm not asking you prefessionals to cut your own throat. But out of thousands of available codes, surely there are a few I can fix myself. And for those I can't, it would be nice to know what they REALLY mean, so I can have some idea if the mechanic I hire is trying to BS me or not.

Thanks,
Thomas

posted 12-28-2004 10:50 AM            

1. wOBD_full
3. OBDScanV330
4. DiagnoseWin21

Also, any comments on which of the above is best?

Also, for people interested in ScanTool, the link is http://store.yahoo.com/scantool/

posted 12-28-2004 05:02 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by toadbrooks:
I recognize ScanTool from my own research. It uses the ElmScan hardware, and I'm planning on buying it. I like the idea of being able to download software, which hopefully will include upgrades.

I'm not a mechanic - I'm a computer geek. I know that just knowing a code does not tell me what part to replace. But it would help if I had a bit more information on what some of the more cryptic codes mean.

Does anyone know of an explanation list for the codes? I don't expect it to tell me what part to replace, but what does "EGR Flow Insufficient" mean in english? Are there any simple things an amateur mechanic can do to remedy some of these issues?

I'm not asking you prefessionals to cut your own throat. But out of thousands of available codes, surely there are a few I can fix myself. And for those I can't, it would be nice to know what they REALLY mean, so I can have some idea if the mechanic I hire is trying to BS me or not.

Thanks,
Thomas

[This message has been edited by toadbrooks (edited 12-28-2004).]

---

posted 12-28-2004 06:51 PM            

I found another of the 4 software packages mentioned by B-4 above. wODB_Full can be found at http://www.obd2crazy.com/software.html Also the Scantool site at http://www.scantool.net/software/scantool.net/index.shtml lists other packages available as a free download. There is a pay package that works on the same interface from Digimoto ($49.) I have no idea if it's worth having. I'm checking out the free ones first.

I have seen the fancy and expensive tuners that promise to increase engine efficiency. I see no reason why the Elm interface cannot accomplish the same thing, assuming we can find the proper command codes. That's my ultimate goal.

Thanks,
Thomas

posted 03-02-2005 09:11 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by BobMarq:
I'm fighting the "EGR Flow insufficient" problem myself with my 2000 Ranger. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system causes some of the exhaust gas to be redirected back into the intake manifold. The idea is to reduce the combustion temperature and reduce pollution. As near as I understand it, there is a EGR valve, EGR solenoid, and EGR flow sensor. I've replaced the EGR valve, which is a diaphram (vacuum controlled) valve that lets the exhaust gas back into the intake. Next, I replaced the EGR solenoid, which is electronically controlled to open the vacuum to the EGR valve. Neither fixed my problem. A vacuum leak is a possible cause between the EGR solenoid and EGR valve, but I can't find one. I haven't had a performance hit (my gas mileage is the same), so I continue to mess with it and try to fix it myself. Hope you have success.

---

posted 03-02-2005 09:13 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by akdale:
Ok I know it's all opinion. Any takers? Looking for a PC based scan tool, not palm or PDA. I tested out the Auto Tap and found it buggy. Anyone used EASE for the DIYer? Any others that you know about?

Thanks

---

posted 03-19-2005 09:14 PM            

I have a similar problem with my 96 mercury sable 3.0 DOHC, 115k miles. Code 0401. Replaced EGR valve, waited a week, light stayed on. Replaced DPFE, waited 5 days so far and light is still on. Otherwise car runs great. Would like to try cleaning the carbon from the system like you did, but not sure what needs to come off and what is the best way to clean the tube.

posted 03-26-2005 02:32 PM               

Evan

quote:

---

Originally posted by B-4:
Howdy!
I personally drive a 97 Mercury Sable LS Wagon with a Duratec 24V V6 engine. Six months or so my MIL or a.k.a CEL has lit up. DTC that was recovered from OBDII system has indicated a P0401. This DTC recognizes an EGR insufficient flow detection under Ford DTC chart dictionary. B-4 spending some cash on a new, for now, unknown culprit part, I've desided to do some investigative search on this DTC. That's when I've found this forum/site. After posting a few comments/suggestions, I've recieved a few replies to which I've extremely thankfull, regarding a DPFE solenoid (Differential Pressure Feedback) that monitors back pressure from/to an EGR system. So, I've removed it, run a few tests with an aid of a multimeter in conjunction with Haynes manual, anyway, that turned out to be OK. I later looked at EGR valve (mechanical actuating servo), no problem there. I later investigated vacuum lines for leaks and EGR electrical solenoid that delegates vacuum actuation to an EGR valve, no problem there. What do I do now, I said to myself. After browzing through the manual, I came to an idea to check TB (Throttle body) for possible carbon build-up. After removing and disassebling TB I've found that there was a metal tube that originated at the very essence of an exhaust section, in the visinity of the headers, and leads all the way to TB, which then recycles the CO gas. That's where I've found tonns of carbon buildup that was restricting EGR system to vent into TB eventually causing this DTC. My problem was solved right there.
I hope that my precedence will help to resolve your symptoms. You may find my other replies re: this.
Thanks for reading Max Ronnan

---

posted 04-04-2005 01:23 PM               

good luck