DPFE Sensor – What Does It Do and Symptoms Of A Bad DPFE? (Proper Understanding With Appropriate Diagrams)

The D-P-F-E sensor is a small but important component that plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s emission control system. So, the D-P-F-E sensor – what does it do and what symptoms of a bad DPFE?

The D-P-F-E sensor simply monitors the flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of your car. It also sends signals to the engine control module (ECM) to adjust the flow of exhaust gas as needed. The prime symptom of a bad DPFE sensor is decreased fuel efficiency.

Now, does this particular info on the D-P-F-E sensor seem a bit complicated to you? Well, no worries. We’ve explained it in easier terms (with appropriate diagrams) right below. 

DPFE sensor – What Does It Do?

The DPFE (Differential-Pressure-Feedback-Electronic) sensor is an essential component of the vehicle’s exhaust system. You can also call it the “EGR pressure feedback system.” Its main duty is to reduce emissions of harmful gasses such as NOx from the engine.

To do this, the D-P-F-E sensor acts as a monitor to observe the flow rate of exhaust gasses through the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of your vehicle. While monitoring the flow of exhaust gas, it also sends the monitored data to your car’s engine control module (ECM). 

The ECM is practically a computer in your car that controls all components of the vehicle. Now, after receiving the data from the D-P-F-E sensor, the ECM of your car determines how much of the exhaust gasses can be reused and recirculated back to the car.

Next, the ECM uses the EGR system in your vehicle to adjust (restrict or increase) the flow of exhaust gas as necessary.

What is the EGR system in a car? EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation. It is a system found in the internal combustion engine of your vehicle that is designed to reduce the number of harmful emissions produced by the engine. Source The EGR system of your car operates by recirculating a certain quantity of the exhausting gasses back into the car’s engine. This helps to diminish the temperature growth of the combustion process. That in turn reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a major contributor to air pollution. Typically, the ECM controls the EGR system. And the EGR system is also regulated by a number of sensors, including the D-P-F-E sensor. This helps to ensure that the correct amount of exhaust gas is being recirculated.

How does the D-P-F-E sensor monitor exhaust gases?

Well, it does that by measuring the pressure difference between two hoses connected to the E-G-R valve. It allows for proper operation of the EGR system and helps reduce emissions from your car. 

The D-P-F-E sensor is usually on the back of the E-G-R valve.

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Plus, the D-P-F-E sensor is connected to a hose that runs to the inlet side of the E-G-R valve and another hose that runs to the outlet side of the E-G-R valve. 

Source 

The sensor itself contains a diaphragm and a pressure-sensing element. This measures the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet hoses. Likewise, the sensor sends this information to the ECM, which uses it to control the flow of exhaust gas by controlling the EGR system.

DPFE Sensor – Symptoms of a Bad DPFE Sensor?

A bad DPFE will often result in severe engine performance issues. Conversely, these issues are the precursor of a bad DPFE in your car. So, let’s take a detailed look at the symptoms of a bad DPFA in your vehicle below:

1. Decreased fuel efficiency

A faulty DPFE sensor can cause decreased fuel efficiency in your vehicle. the D-P-F-E sensor is directly responsible for reducing the number of harmful emissions produced by the engine. 

If the D-P-F-E sensor is not functioning correctly, it can cause the engine to burn more fuel than usual, create more emissions, run less efficiently, and result in reduced fuel economy.

2. Rough idle

“Rough idle” refers to a situation where the engine of a vehicle runs unevenly or unsteadily while it is idling. This can manifest as shaking or vibrating of the vehicle, as well as fluctuations in the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute).

3. Sudden Misfiring

“Misfiring” occurs when one or more cylinders in the engine are not firing correctly. This can give birth to a variety of issues, such as reduced power and acceleration, poor fuel economy, and increased emissions.

Misfiring itself can be caused due to having a bad DPFE sensor in your car.

4. Stalling

“Stalling” refers to a situation where the engine of a vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while it is running. This can occur while the vehicle is stationary (such as at a stoplight) or while it is in motion. 

5. “Check Engine” light may illuminate on the dashboard

The “Check Engine” light is a warning light. It is displayed on the dashboard of a vehicle to alert the driver that there is an issue with the vehicle’s engine or emission control system. 

One possible cause of the “Check Engine” light coming on is a faulty DPFE sensor. 

6. Increased emissions

As already mentioned above, a faulty DPFE sensor can result in increased emissions. Without a properly working DPFE sensor, the engine doesn’t get enough data on how much fuel to burn and how many emissions to make in every combustion cycle.

This simply causes the engine to burn too much fuel, thus, causing increased emissions in your vehicle.

What Are The Reasons For DPFE Sensors To Go Bad?

There are several reasons why a DPFE sensor may fail:

Wear and tear: Like any other component, the D-P-F-E sensor is subject to wear and tear over time. As it ages, it may become less reliable and more prone to failure.

Contamination: the D-P-F-E sensor can become contaminated by dirt, dust, or other debris, which can affect its ability to function correctly.

Physical damage: the D-P-F-E sensor can become damaged if it is subjected to physical impacts, such as if a rock or other object strikes it.

Electrical issues: the D-P-F-E sensor is an electronic component, and as such, it can be affected by electrical issues such as voltage surges or a malfunctioning wiring harness.

Improper installation: If the D-P-F-E sensor is not installed correctly, it may not function as intended.

Exposure to extreme temperatures: the D-P-F-E sensor is designed to operate within a certain temperature range. And exposure to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) can cause it to fail.

Vibration: the D-P-F-E sensor is designed to withstand normal levels of vibration, but excessive vibration can cause it to fail.

Chemical exposure: If the D-P-F-E sensor is exposed to certain chemicals (such as battery acid spills, etc.), it can become damaged and stop functioning.

Manufacturing defects: In rare cases, the D-P-F-E sensor may fail due to a manufacturing defect.

FAQs

Read these frequently asked questions for further clarification on the D-P-F-E sensor. 

Conclusion

Well, there you’ve it, people. In summary, a bad DPFE can lead to permanent damage to the engine or exhaust system if left unchecked. It is also important to note that a bad DPFE can cause false readings in other vehicle systems, such as the oxygen sensor. 

Therefore, you must have any issues with the DPFE diagnosed and repaired quickly. Keeping your DPFE in good condition will ensure peak performance and reduce emissions from your vehicle. Best of luck and best wishes to you!!