[PacificMustang01]

OK, so here is the deal.....

I have a SES light on that won't go away. It's throwing code P1401 (ERG system related). As always, this code, and related codes, in a Mustang 9 out of ten times mean it's the DPFE sensor.

But get this....my DPFE sensor is only 1.5 years old!! When I first purchased the car it had the SES light on and was giving code P0401 (same code, but without the 'manufacturar specific' #1 in the first position). I did some reasearch back then, saw it was most likely the DPFE sensor. So, I got a new one, and had not a single problem and no SES light.

Fast forward 1.5 years to now. SES light on, and code P1401. So, why in the hell am I getting this again. What has occured right before I got this current SES and code:

I ran out of gas! Yes, I was a dumb f*!k and thought I could go 'just a little bit longer' before stopping for gas. Well, I ran out. I was lucky and a friend had a gallon of gas at his house (89 octane......I always use 87). So, I put it in my tank, and then went and filled up tank.....w/ 89 b/c I wanted to give him back what he gave me b/c it was for his boat and his boat likes 89.

Second, I am using an aftermarket locking gas cap, since some ass hole stole an entire tank of my gas a few months ago I've got a locking cap. Haven't had too many issues w/ this, except it's kind of hard to get it to seal well, and once in awhile I get the "gas cap" light on. but I simply re-do the cap and it goes off.

I guess my questions are: One, could running out of gas cause this code? (and for the record I have deleted the code, but it comes back within a few miles). Two, could using the 89 octane have caused this? I truly doubt it, but had to ask. Three, it is just possible that the 1.5 year old DPFE senser just went bad again? That would suck ass, but at least it's only a ~$20 part. And, four, could it just be the aftermarket gas cap is a peice of crap, and not getting the seal it needs?

Any advice is very welcome! Thanks to you all in advance, and happy motoring my Mustang family!!

[PacificMustang01]

Oh ya, and before anyone says it.......this gas from his boat did not have oil mixed in it! I made damn sure to ask him that. His boat is 4 stroke, so no gas/oil mixed......

[PacificMustang01]

OK, first I am truly sorry for bumping my own post. Moderators, please forgive me.

But, I am still looking for an answer to this problem of SES light and code P1401.

And, I had a thought......is it possible and/or OK to clean the DPFE sensor? Like spray some electrical or MAF cleaner through it? Anyone ever do this? Anyone know if it will 'fix' my problem? I am supper pissed if my 1.5 year old DPFE sensor would go bad AGAIN, after such a short amount of time. I mean, I know these sensors are a 'problem part' in our cars, but come on, this is crazy!!

[Mr. Red Pony]

Delete the EGR. You have a tuner? If not get a can of spray B12 and spray it into all the EGR and EGR related ports. I ended up changing all my EGR components with no avail. I used the B12 on all the ports and it fixed it.

I guess NVM on the Delete... Cali...

Just try the cleaning, let it set, then run it with all the EGR stuff off for about 30 Seconds. Right before you shut if off, give it a good rev to blow everything out.

Also try to Seafoam it.

[PacificMustang01]

Originally Posted by Mr. Red Pony I guess NVM on the Delete... Cali... .

What do you mean by that? I am assuming you mean I can't delete b/c of CA smog requirements. Which, I can't. I need to get this beast smoged every other year. So, that is a no-go for me

But I think I'll just give cleaning it all out a try. I am just pissed if this f#c&*%g sensor went out again......it's not expensive or anything, nor is it even hard to swap out.....it is just the principle of the thing. The god damn system (sensor) should last more than a year.

But get this.....my 'new' DPFE started causing this problem right after I ran out of gas. And if I remember correctly, the woman i got the car from (origional owner) said the SES came on when SHE ran out of gas.....SO:

Does running out of gas somehow fry the DPFE sensor??? Seems very silly/stupid if it does....and i can't even imagine how/why it would. But twice now running out of gas in this car causes code P1401 (DPFE related) to be thrown and not go away! What a crappy sensor if that is the case!

[Mr. Red Pony]

IDK. But it you need a new DPFE I'll send you mine for th price of shipping. I had it on for about 3 months until I deleted the EGR. I never threw a code after replacing it btw, just needed the room for my windstar.

[PacificMustang01]

Mr. Red Pony,

You are a good man, thanks for the offer. I just sent you a PM w/ details and a few questions.

Bless the forums, and those of us who love our cars enough to waste....I mean spend....our time here! Our community rocks!!