WTF! Check Engine Light... - Focaljet

**jim01ZX3** · 05-12-2001, 02:45 AM

All out of nowhere... the check engine light pops on! No symptoms of power loss, misfiring, etc! So, I check the manual... bad gas, gas cap not tight enough, or bad sensor! WTF! Is this common? I'm going to throw some dry gas in tomorrow and fill up with the premium blend... hope that works, but maybe I gotta wait Ford's 'three driving cycles'...

------------------
My Focus!
jim@bonczek.net
Team FocalJet Mid-Atlantic
MidAt Calendar

**jim01ZX3** · 05-12-2001, 01:31 PM

Well, the manual states that poor gas mixture or water in the gas can cause the problem. And my dealer concurs. So, I've dropped in the dry gas, now I just have to see what happens thru my 3 cold start driving cycles. Should know in a couple of hours...

If nothing then, probably going to take off the Ractive and reassemble the stock air box just to see if that helps...

And yes, WTF means "what the f---"!!

**rwgreenberg** · 05-13-2001, 12:53 AM

Hi. I too have a continuous CEL. But my light came on soon after I started experiencing a fairly high level of rough engine, stumbling, behavior in the 2000 RPM range. I'm bringing the car in next week. Somehow I think the chances that the CEL will go away with some new gas is remote. But we can all hope. (I tried this too!)

**rwgreenberg** · 05-13-2001, 12:54 AM

By the way, does WTF stand for "What the f...!"?

**Hatchman** · 05-13-2001, 01:12 AM

Having exactly the same problems! Stumbling, hesitation, slight bogging, etc... Did the premium gas and dry gas thing. Have been thru at least 6 driving cycles...light still on! Making appointment Monday. Everybody keep us all informed with developments, OK?

**jim01ZX3** · 05-13-2001, 03:40 AM

Well, after driving around a bit, light is still on. So, I removed the Ractive filter (willing to try anything) and restored the airbox to OEM spec. Still nothing, however I am noticing some sluggishness and hesitation... especially while cruising in the 35 - 50 MPH range with the RPM's around 2k... She'll be in the shop this week, so I'll post more when I know more...

**suicidalrage** · 05-16-2001, 01:29 AM

Just got my lil' one from the shop today. Ford reset the check engine light. Errornious code is what I was told. So now, I get to go back friday and have a black box hooked up. They will then be able to see what is going on with the engine. I was told the spark plugs had water residue on them and that was my problem. Nope!

**jim01ZX3** · 05-16-2001, 05:49 PM

DPFE sensor... part took a day to come in!

Two days of downtime, but she's back and running OK so far... 25 miles since I got her back!

**Popkorn** · 05-16-2001, 07:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jim01ZX3:
DPFE sensor... part took a day to come in!

Two days of downtime, but she's back and running OK so far... 25 miles since I got her back!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What's a DPFE sensor?

[This message has been edited by Popkorn (edited 05-16-2001).]

**vad** · 05-16-2001, 08:14 PM

Differential Pressure Feedback Egr sensor.

**Hatchman** · 05-16-2001, 08:24 PM

I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day!

**Popkorn** · 05-16-2001, 09:42 PM

I think I might have that problem too. My car is at the dealership fixing a bunch of stuff, like 3rd gear syncros, engine check light, etc.

I noticed that after my engine check light came on, my car choked a lot below 2000rpm. I coulding even cruise below that, I had to stay in lower gear. And also, my car was much slower, my g-tech runs were horrible ever since.

**Hatchman** · 05-18-2001, 04:03 PM

Got my car back from Ford yesterday. Looks like the DPFE sensor was the culprit! Running strong and purrs at idle.

------------------
Focus on Jesus
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2001 ZX3 CD Silver 5spd, power group, K&N air filter, fog light mod, shorty antenna, resonator removed, seatbelt chime disabled

**Focal Energy** · 05-19-2001, 12:08 AM

You know what? I have a 2001 ZTS and had to have my DPFE sensor replaced 3 months after I got it. I ended up having to leave my buddy with the dealership for a week!! It sucks, BAD!!! I got to drive around a Taurus with leather though. That was pretty cool!

------------------
TEAM FocalJet: Mid-Atlantic
2001 ZTS, Twilight Blue, Pioneer DEH-P8200R, 600W JBL GT-S600 amp, 2 12" Pioneer Diamond Plate subs (soon to be replaced with Kicker Solo-baric), Zenon Blue headlamps, so far.... BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
doobydoo13@hotmail.com

**jim01ZX3** · 05-19-2001, 11:30 AM

Still have the driving into the wind feeling... I have a question, though... If the service dept does work, would it show up on the invoice if it is under warranty... because all my invoice had was the oil change, nothing about the DPFE sensor replacement. Is it normal not to list these things on the invoice??

**gottijr** · 05-21-2001, 10:48 AM

My 2001 ZX3 is at the Dealers today getting the DPFE replaced, took 5 days for the part to come in. Check engine lite came on 6 months after buying it. The car started to shudder at 30-40mph after the lite came on.

Hopefully after today it will be ok.

**bluewagon** · 07-25-2001, 11:32 AM

Same thing. Like driving into the wind. Rough idle, and, of course, that friggin' "engine" light. The dealer says it's the sensor that controls the ERG valve, and has replaced 3 already today. He is therefore out of stock, but will have another tomorrow. We'll see.

**rwgreenberg** · 07-25-2001, 03:45 PM

Had the same problem. The DPFE replacement did the trick.

**MGAMan** · 07-25-2001, 06:35 PM

My 2001 ZX3 has been in twice for the infamous CEL. The second time it was fixed (cross my fingers) by tightening a loose hoes clamp on an evaporative emiision control line. It took them a while to find, but I'll give'em credit for persistance.

05-12-2001, 02:45 AM	#1
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	WTF! Check Engine Light... All out of nowhere... the check engine light pops on! No symptoms of power loss, misfiring, etc! So, I check the manual... bad gas, gas cap not tight enough, or bad sensor! WTF! Is this common? I'm going to throw some dry gas in tomorrow and fill up with the premium blend... hope that works, but maybe I gotta wait Ford's 'three driving cycles'... ------------------ My Focus! jim@bonczek.net Team FocalJet Mid-Atlantic MidAt Calendar

05-12-2001, 01:31 PM	#2
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Well, the manual states that poor gas mixture or water in the gas can cause the problem. And my dealer concurs. So, I've dropped in the dry gas, now I just have to see what happens thru my 3 cold start driving cycles. Should know in a couple of hours... If nothing then, probably going to take off the Ractive and reassemble the stock air box just to see if that helps... And yes, WTF means "what the f---"!!

05-13-2001, 12:53 AM	#3
rwgreenberg Rookie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Levittown,NY, USA Posts: 21	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Hi. I too have a continuous CEL. But my light came on soon after I started experiencing a fairly high level of rough engine, stumbling, behavior in the 2000 RPM range. I'm bringing the car in next week. Somehow I think the chances that the CEL will go away with some new gas is remote. But we can all hope. (I tried this too!)

05-13-2001, 12:54 AM	#4
rwgreenberg Rookie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Levittown,NY, USA Posts: 21	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... By the way, does WTF stand for "What the f...!"?

05-13-2001, 01:12 AM	#5
Hatchman TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: (Rick) Cape May, NJ Posts: 826	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Having exactly the same problems! Stumbling, hesitation, slight bogging, etc... Did the premium gas and dry gas thing. Have been thru at least 6 driving cycles...light still on! Making appointment Monday. Everybody keep us all informed with developments, OK?

05-13-2001, 03:40 AM	#6
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Well, after driving around a bit, light is still on. So, I removed the Ractive filter (willing to try anything) and restored the airbox to OEM spec. Still nothing, however I am noticing some sluggishness and hesitation... especially while cruising in the 35 - 50 MPH range with the RPM's around 2k... She'll be in the shop this week, so I'll post more when I know more...

05-16-2001, 01:29 AM	#7
suicidalrage Rookie Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: San Diego, SoCal Posts: 48	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Just got my lil' one from the shop today. Ford reset the check engine light. Errornious code is what I was told. So now, I get to go back friday and have a black box hooked up. They will then be able to see what is going on with the engine. I was told the spark plugs had water residue on them and that was my problem. Nope!

05-16-2001, 05:49 PM	#8
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... DPFE sensor... part took a day to come in! Two days of downtime, but she's back and running OK so far... 25 miles since I got her back!

05-16-2001, 07:51 PM	#9
Popkorn TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 474	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jim01ZX3: DPFE sensor... part took a day to come in! Two days of downtime, but she's back and running OK so far... 25 miles since I got her back!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> What's a DPFE sensor? [This message has been edited by Popkorn (edited 05-16-2001).]

05-16-2001, 08:14 PM	#10
vad Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: La Mesa, CA Posts: 1,890	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Differential Pressure Feedback Egr sensor.

05-16-2001, 08:24 PM	#11
Hatchman TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: (Rick) Cape May, NJ Posts: 826	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day!

05-16-2001, 09:42 PM	#12
Popkorn TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 474	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... I think I might have that problem too. My car is at the dealership fixing a bunch of stuff, like 3rd gear syncros, engine check light, etc. I noticed that after my engine check light came on, my car choked a lot below 2000rpm. I coulding even cruise below that, I had to stay in lower gear. And also, my car was much slower, my g-tech runs were horrible ever since.

05-18-2001, 04:03 PM	#13
Hatchman TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: (Rick) Cape May, NJ Posts: 826	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Got my car back from Ford yesterday. Looks like the DPFE sensor was the culprit! Running strong and purrs at idle. ------------------ Focus on Jesus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2001 ZX3 CD Silver 5spd, power group, K&N air filter, fog light mod, shorty antenna, resonator removed, seatbelt chime disabled

05-19-2001, 12:08 AM	#14
Focal Energy Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: (Adam) Lynchburg, VA. USA Posts: 1,780	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... You know what? I have a 2001 ZTS and had to have my DPFE sensor replaced 3 months after I got it. I ended up having to leave my buddy with the dealership for a week!! It sucks, BAD!!! I got to drive around a Taurus with leather though. That was pretty cool! ------------------ TEAM FocalJet: Mid-Atlantic 2001 ZTS, Twilight Blue, Pioneer DEH-P8200R, 600W JBL GT-S600 amp, 2 12" Pioneer Diamond Plate subs (soon to be replaced with Kicker Solo-baric), Zenon Blue headlamps, so far.... BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! doobydoo13@hotmail.com

05-19-2001, 11:30 AM	#15
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Still have the driving into the wind feeling... I have a question, though... If the service dept does work, would it show up on the invoice if it is under warranty... because all my invoice had was the oil change, nothing about the DPFE sensor replacement. Is it normal not to list these things on the invoice??

05-21-2001, 10:48 AM	#16
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... My 2001 ZX3 is at the Dealers today getting the DPFE replaced, took 5 days for the part to come in. Check engine lite came on 6 months after buying it. The car started to shudder at 30-40mph after the lite came on. Hopefully after today it will be ok.

07-25-2001, 11:32 AM	#17
bluewagon Rookie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Scott Depot, WV, USA Posts: 48	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Same thing. Like driving into the wind. Rough idle, and, of course, that friggin' "engine" light. The dealer says it's the sensor that controls the ERG valve, and has replaced 3 already today. He is therefore out of stock, but will have another tomorrow. We'll see.

07-25-2001, 03:45 PM	#18
rwgreenberg Rookie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Levittown,NY, USA Posts: 21	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... Had the same problem. The DPFE replacement did the trick.

07-25-2001, 06:35 PM	#19
MGAMan Rookie Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: SW Michigan Posts: 6	Re: WTF! Check Engine Light... My 2001 ZX3 has been in twice for the infamous CEL. The second time it was fixed (cross my fingers) by tightening a loose hoes clamp on an evaporative emiision control line. It took them a while to find, but I'll give'em credit for persistance.

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