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DTC codes / Ford codes / P1402

P1402 · FordEGR Metering Orifice Restricted

P1402 on Ford vehicles means the powertrain control module has detected that the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) metering orifice is restricted, so the expected flow of exhaust gas into the intake is not occurring. The computer typically infers this from a differential pressure feedback EGR sensor signal that stays too low or too high during a commanded EGR test, indicating a blockage at the orifice rather than an electrical fault.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeFord specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Slight rough idle or idle surge when the engine is cold or under light load
  • Reduced fuel economy during normal driving conditions
  • A faint hesitation or stumble on light acceleration from a stop
  • Increased nitrogen oxide emissions that may be noticed at inspection time
  • In some cases, a slight ping or spark knock under light load due to elevated combustion temperatures

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Carbon and soot buildup clogging the EGR metering orifice itself
  2. Restricted EGR tube or passage between the exhaust manifold and intake
  3. Failed or sticking EGR valve that prevents flow through the orifice
  4. Faulty differential pressure feedback EGR sensor giving a false restricted reading
  5. Damaged or disconnected EGR tube causing a pressure signal error
  6. Intake manifold carbon deposits partially blocking the EGR delivery port
  7. Rarely, a PCM calibration issue misinterpreting EGR flow data

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Connect a scan tool and verify P1402 is the only EGR-related code, then check for any pending or stored codes that might point to a sensor fault.
  2. Inspect the EGR valve and metering orifice visually for heavy carbon buildup; remove and clean the orifice with carburetor cleaner if accessible.
  3. Check the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor hoses for cracks, softness, or blockage, and confirm the sensor reads correctly with a vacuum pump.
  4. Remove the EGR tube and inspect for internal carbon restriction; clean or replace the tube if flow is compromised.
  5. Command the EGR valve open and closed with the scan tool while watching the differential pressure sensor voltage to confirm the orifice restriction is real.
  6. If the orifice and passages are clean but the code persists, test the EGR valve for proper movement and replace it if it sticks or fails to seal.
  7. After repairs, clear the codes and perform a drive cycle that includes steady cruise and light acceleration to confirm the EGR monitor completes without resetting P1402.

Carbon Buildup Often Mimics Sensor Failure

  • Many technicians replace the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor first, but the actual restriction is usually carbon clogging the metering orifice or the EGR tube, so cleaning is often the real fix.
  • A restricted orifice can set P1402 without any driveability complaint, leading owners to ignore it until an emissions test fails or fuel economy drops noticeably.
  • Ford's EGR metering orifice is a small, precisely sized hole that is easy to overlook during a visual inspection; it must be removed and held up to light to confirm it is clear.
  • The code can also be triggered by a leaking or disconnected EGR tube that causes the pressure sensor to read incorrectly, so always check tube integrity before condemning the sensor.
  • On some Ford engines, a dirty mass airflow sensor can skew the PCM's expected EGR flow calculation and set P1402 even when the EGR system itself is clean.

Can I keep driving with P1402?

You can usually continue driving with P1402, but avoid long periods of heavy load or towing because the restricted EGR flow raises combustion temperatures and can lead to spark knock or increased emissions. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent carbon buildup from worsening and to ensure the engine runs at its designed efficiency.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Ford vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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