Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting CEL problems

Well ... apparently my mechanic cleaned out the pipes behind the throttle body. However, obviously this still hasn't worked since the CEL light is still on. So ... my mechanic thinks that he missed something else that he wants to try and check on. So, now my question is ... what's left to try and clean or replace seeing as how he's done practically everything that's been suggested on these forums. Can somebody please suggest exactly what kinds of things can be done to fix the code 332 for my 1995 Contour. Also, I'm thinking that perhaps it may be a good idea to just take it to the dealer assuming that they have a better idea of the emissions system of the Contour. How much would that cost me if I were to go that route? Someone please help me!!! I'm going nuts trying to get this problem fixed!!! My mechanic seems to be going in the right direction, but, he's still failing to hit the nail on the head!!! Please help me!!!

You should never have to replace parts blindly.
Check each part of the EGR system to identify the problem.
This covers how I do it.

The DPFE measures the pressure drop across the orfice in the EGR tube. It tells the computer what is happening in the EGR system. The DPFE connector is supplied with 5vdc and ground from the computer, and sends a variable voltage back to it. The DPFE output should be about .45 vdc with the EGR valve closed, if it is not check the wiring.

With the engine running at idle, open the EGR valve with a vacuum pump while measuring the DPFE output voltage with a meter. With the EGR full open (5 in. Vacuum)the DPFE output should rise to over 4.5vdc. This tells the computer that the EGR valve is full open. The engine should almost stall but it will recover by opening the IAC.

If the DPFE responds, hook a vacuum guage to the EGR vacuum hose and rev up the engine. The vacuum guage should display up to 5 in. of vacuum above 3k RPM. If no vacuum or very low vacuum is present recheck at EGR solenoid. Make sure solenoid has manifold vacuum at it's input line. If there is no vacuum output from the solenoid, unplug it's connector and check for voltage while reving the engine. Replace solenoid if more than 2vdc is present or check wiring if not.

If the DPFE output stays low, either there is not enough EGR flow, the DPFE or associated wiring is bad, or the DPFE cannot sense it. Check the EGR tube for holes or cracks.
Make sure the two sensing hoses from the DPFE to the EGR tube are connected properly, not damaged or leaking, and not obstructed (if the voltage goes down they are reversed). They should be the original thick high temperature silicone hoses.

Disconnect the EGR tube from the EGR valve and start the engine long enough to verify that exhaust is passing through the EGR tube. If not, use a coathanger (or a better tool if you have it) to clear obstruction from the orfice in the EGR tube. If necessary replace tube to regain exhaust flow.

Remove and verify that the EGR valve is unobstructed and opens by applying vacuum to it's nipple while blowing compressed air through it. Air should come out in large volume (no restriction). If it does not, replace.

Remove the throttle body and it's gasket and clean the EGR passages in the upper intake manifold - then stuff a rag in the intake opening and blow compressed air into the manifold's EGR port. Again air should come out in large volume (no restriction). If it does not, clean until it does.

Of course, don't forget to reassemble everything when you,re done!

I got a 332 code today from a guy, hopefully my new mechanic. He works for ford as an engineer, but was on loan to roche <not spelled correctly>racing for four years. I will let you know what he comes up with. All I know is that ford told me my #2 cylinder was not firing 'properly'

A guy i work with had that code & replaced the computer-i gave him a hand & what we found was a tiny hole chaffed into the bottom of the vacuum hose between the egr control solenoid/regulator and the egr valve. simply disconnect hose at both ends, plug one end & suck on the other and it should hold vacuum on your tongue. also make sure hose is not plugged. if you find it not holding vacuum then look at bottom side of (usually green) hose where it can chaff on the intake manifold (2.5l) these plastic lines can be repaired by cutting & rejoin with a short piece of rubber w/washer hose. this code 332 means that there is low/no egr flow detected & nothing else under the hood other than a egr type repair is going to help so one has to zone in on the egr system with a good understanding of it-it is usually one of the easier codes to fix. other likely possibilities (as last posting mentioned) is plugged egr ports below throttle body-(using a vacuum pump or an old piece of vacuum line, suck the egr valve open at idle-if the idle doesn't drop then the ports are plugged). Finally egr pressure (dpfe) sensor reading low is a common cause as they slowly deteriorate on the inside. Please imform us of your findings.

The egr system & exhaust system are tied together through the dpfe sensor so if none of the previously mentioned things didn't help maybe have the exhaust backpressure checked to rule out restricted converters/exhaust.