AutoCodes – Generic – P1401

P1401 Code - EGR Temperature Sensor

Quick Answer

The purpose of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on your engine is to limit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Common causes include Faulty Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor, Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor harness is open or shorted, Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P1401 indicates EGR Temperature Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor, Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor harness is open or shorted, Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

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Code Popularity 50,380

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 18, 2019

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1401 Description

The purpose of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on your engine is to limit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. This is done by redirecting small amounts of exhaust gas back through the upper intake to get mixed in with the air/fuel charge. The resultant diluted air/fuel mixture (i.e., less oxygen per cubic foot) burns cooler and combustion chamber temperatures are reduced accordingly, thereby lowering NOx emissions.
The Ford DPFE/EGR system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The system employs an EGR Valve, an Electronic Vacuum Regulator (EVR), and a Delta Pressure Feedback EGR sensor (DPFE).
The DPFE Sensor measures EGR flow across an orifice located inside the special EGR Tube. The orifice is positioned between two hose ports coming off the tube which are connected to the DPFE sensor with special heat-resistant hoses. When the EGR Valve is open, a pressure differential is created across the orifice (intake manifold pressure vs. exhaust pressure). By design, this difference in pressure is measured by the DPFE sensor in terms of voltage. The DPFE voltage signal output to the PCM is directly proportional to the flow of exhaust gas entering the intake manifold.

OBDII Code P1401 - EGR Temperature Sensor - AutoCodes.com — P1401 Code - EGR Temperature Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1401?

Faulty Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor
Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor harness is open or shorted
Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic (DPFE) sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Damaged Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1401?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1401 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P1401 Audi — EGR Valve Power Stage Short To Ground
P1401 BMW — Heated Catalyst Current Too High During Heating Bank 1
P1401 Ford — DPFE Sensor Circuit High
P1401 Hyundai — DMTL Performance
P1401 Infiniti — EGR Temperature Sensor
P1401 KIA — EVAP system malfunction
P1401 Lexus — Sub-Throttle Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem
P1401 Lincoln — DPFE Sensor Circuit High
P1401 Mazda — DPFE Sensor Circuit High
P1401 Mercury — DPFE Sensor Circuit High
P1401 MINI — Heated Catalyst Current Too High During Heating Bank 1
P1401 Nissan — EGR Temperature Sensor
P1401 Subaru — Fuel Tank Pressure Control System Function Problem
P1401 Toyota — Sub-Throttle Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem
P1401 Volkswagen — EGR Valve Power Stage Short To Ground

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.