P1401 on Ford
DPFE (Differential Pressure Feedback EGR) Sensor Circuit High Input
P1401 on Ford vehicles indicates dpfe (differential pressure feedback egr) sensor circuit high input. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Ford models — most commonly on Escort, F-150. A Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda manufacturer-specific code. The powertrain control module saw the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor signal above its maximum calibrated value, meaning the reported EGR flow signal is implausibly high. The engine may idle roughly, hesitate, or run hotter, and the vehicle will fail an emissions test. A useful check: on the plastic-bodied DPFE sensors, any at-rest signal voltage above roughly 1.2V points to a failed sensor. Other manufacturers assign P1401 to different faults (Hyundai, for example, uses it for a DMTL/EVAP performance fault), so match the code to the make before buying anything. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $50 to $250, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P1401
- •Failed DPFE sensor (a very common wear item on these vehicles)
- •Cracked, collapsed, melted, or disconnected rubber hoses between the DPFE sensor and the EGR tube
- •Clogged or corroded EGR tube restricting flow
- •Open or shorted DPFE signal wiring, or a short to voltage
- •Corroded or oil-saturated DPFE connector
- •Failed EGR valve, EGR vacuum regulator solenoid, or PCM (rare)
P1401 on Ford by Model
Ford Escort(1 issue)
- EGR flow fault / check engine light from failed DPFE sensor (P0401 / P1401)1996-1999
On OBD-II Escorts (1996+), a very common check-engine complaint is insufficient EGR flow (P0401) or an EGR/DPFE circuit fault (P1401). The usual culprit is the ceramic Delta Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor cracking or drifting, though carbon-clogged EGR ports/passages and split rubber signal hoses also cause it. The two codes commonly appear together: a failed DPFE tricks the PCM into closing the EGR valve, which then sets the low-flow code.
Ford F-150(1 issue)
- DPFE / EGR Pressure Sensor Failure — Rough Idle, Stalling, and P0401 (2-Valve Triton)1997-2004
The Delta Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor and the EGR throttle-body spacer passages are a chronic Check-Engine source on 1997-2004 4.2L/4.6L/5.4L trucks. The ceramic DPFE sensor drifts or cracks, and the narrow 90-degree EGR elbow passages carbon up until flow is blocked, setting P0401 (insufficient EGR flow). The result is a rough idle, stumble or stall when coming to a stop, hesitation, and reduced fuel economy. It is frequently misdiagnosed as the EGR valve itself.
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View P1401 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P1401 mean on Ford?▼
P1401 stands for "DPFE (Differential Pressure Feedback EGR) Sensor Circuit High Input." A Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda manufacturer-specific code. The powertrain control module saw the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor signal above its maximum calibrated value, meaning the reported EGR flow signal is implausibly high. The engine may idle roughly, hesitate, or run hotter, and the vehicle will fail an emissions test. A useful check: on the plastic-bodied DPFE sensors, any at-rest signal voltage above roughly 1.2V points to a failed sensor. Other manufacturers assign P1401 to different faults (Hyundai, for example, uses it for a DMTL/EVAP performance fault), so match the code to the make before buying anything. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P1401 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Failed DPFE sensor (a very common wear item on these vehicles), Cracked, collapsed, melted, or disconnected rubber hoses between the DPFE sensor and the EGR tube, Clogged or corroded EGR tube restricting flow, Open or shorted DPFE signal wiring, or a short to voltage, Corroded or oil-saturated DPFE connector. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P1401 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $50 to $250, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P1401 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P1401 on 2 Ford models: Escort, F-150.