Hi! The '95 Contours are OBDI, and the original DPFE sensor is metal. There is a replacement part that is plastic and requires a wiring conversion. Is this a successful conversion? I would think so because Ford sells the part (and we've confirmed the number's correct for my car) but we've replaced it and we're stumped and can't get the CEL to go off. According to my husband's resources, the reference voltage from the sensor to the PCM is different. Anyway... here's what we've done so far...
First, the car has and continues to run and idle fine, but some time ago the CEL light began going on and off, cycling on more and more often. We checked codes and got 332, the EGR valve wasn't opening properly. Since I have 63,000 miles on the car, we went ahead and put in a new EGR valve & gasket, and EVR solenoid - pretty inexpensive parts. But, after clearing codes, CEL still came on intermittently and showed the 332 code.
So... next we took the throttle body off the intake manifold and cleaned it thoroughly (and gently with teflon-safe cleaner and a soft toothbrush). We also cleaned the ports behind the throttle body and replaced the old gasket with sensor safe-silicone sealer added. Runs fine. After cleaning the throttle body (very gunked up) the car started and ran smoothly. Cleared codes/removed specified fuses for specified time, but CEL still coming on.
At this point we replaced the DPFE sensor. To do this, per Ford instructions, we had to modify wiring, cutting the harness and using a pigtail; also the new DPFE is plastic instead of metal. We confirmed part number. We followed instructions carefully so we're very sure installation was correct. But, after clearing codes/pulling fuses, CEL still coming on. But now it's constant (or maybe it became constant after the throttle body cleaning; anyway, it now comes on after beginning to drive and pretty much stays on).
So we checked all related hoses; and checked vacuum pressure, which is fine. The EGR valve seems to be working; when we pull a vacuum on the EGR valve the engine stalls on idle, meaning the valve is doing what it is supposed to do. And the EVR solenoid on acceleration pulls vacuum on a gauge, indicating it is working, too. We checked all related hoses; and checked vacuum, which appears to be fine. We also cleaned the tube running from the EGR valve to the exhaust system. Car is still running fine, idle's still in the right place (always has been; around 750 rpm, but cycles up above 1000 rpm while air conditioner is on, which I think it's always done). SIGH... CEL is STILL almost constantly on, coming on soon into driving.
Have others here done the plastic DPFE conversion on a '95 model Ford or Mystique and had success? We've come to find out the original metal DPFE is still available, and are wondering about this voltage difference possibly being the problem. Any other ideas on how to proceed?
Thanks very much!! Lynn
Ford Contour SE MTX (V-6), 63K, electric red
(Ferret II)
