Service Slants

Motor, Feb 2004 by Savasta, Bob

Ford

Driveability problems, illuminated MIL, EGR DTCs. Some Ford cars and light trucks (full list below) may exhibit rough running, lack of power, surging or poor fuel economy. These symptoms will often be accompanied by an illuminated MIL with DTCs P0401, P0402, P1400 or P1401 logged in computer memory.

No need to follow long flow charts or perform other intricate and timeconsuming checks to get to the root of the problem because Ford has streamlined this diagnosis for you: Head straight for the tube-mounted Delta Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor and replace it. After installing the new sensor, clear the continuous DTCs from computer memory and run a KOEO self-test to make sure the problem is eliminated.

The following vehicles are susceptible to the problem and can benefit from the streamlined diagnosis:

2000-02 3.0L DOHG Ford Taurus/ Mercury Sables (built before 5/02)

2000-02 3.0L OHV Ford Taurus/ Mercury Sables (built before 2/02)

2001-02 4.0L SOHC Ford Explorer Sports & Sport Tracs (built before 9/23/02)

2001-02 4.2L OHV Ford Econolines (built before 4/9/02)

2001-02 Ford Crown Victorias, Focuses, Mustangs, Escapes, Expeditions, F-150s, Rangers & Windstars; Lincoln Town Cars; Mercury Cougars & Grand Marquis

2002 Mercury Mountaineers

Dodge Truck

Moaning noise from rear. Dodge says that some 2003 Dakotas can give off an irritating low-pitched moan from the rear when the brakes are applied. If you think the cause is frozen caliper bushings or slides, you're right. Dodge has come up with new-design caliper bushings (Part No. 050093345AB, four included) to restore peace and quiet to the midsize pickup. When installing the bushings, give them a good lube with high-temperature grease (Part No. J8126688 or equivalent). Ditto for the caliper slide surfaces and tubes.

Honda

MIL on, EVAP DTC set. Some 1998-2003 Honda cars and light trucks (full list below) can turn on their MIL and store DTC P1457 (EVAP control system leak detected) in PCM memory. One very likely cause for the condition is a failed EVAP bypass solenoid valve. Honda attributes the situation to the buildup of corrosion in the windings of the solenoid due to salt-laden water finding its way into the internals of the part. The problem occurs almost exclusively in snowbelt areas, and in severe cases can take out the PCM, as well.

To diagnose the problem, hook np your scanner to the vehicle and start checking for codes. If P1457 pops up on the display, put your hand on the solenoid valve while you exercise it with the bidirectional controls on your scanner. If you don't hear a click or feel a pulse from the valve when it's commanded on, the solenoid is a goner. Replace it with an updated unit (Part No. 17012-S01-A00).

Now clear the code and exercise the new solenoid valve as you did the old one. If you still don't hear a click or feel a pulse from the valve when it's commanded on, the old solenoid's windings were probably shorted internally, zapping the PCM in the process. Replacing the black box with Part No. 37820-P2P-A12 should take care of the problem permanently.