I have a 2006 Ford Explorer 4.0 automatic with 156,000 miles. Engine idles rough (shaky, labored idle). Code P0406 and P0108 present (EGR valve). My mechanic doesn’t think replacing the EGR would make it run smoothly (he thinks it is misfiring). What do you think? Thank you! -Dave
This one is a little tricky so bear with me on this. First off, if the car is misfiring it will show a code. There is a code for random misfires, intermittent misfires, multiple prolong cylinder misfires and single cylinder misfires. It's not likely that your ECU is going to miss a miss - the main purpose the computer serves is to detect misfires. Even if it does any good mechanic has the tools to tell for sure if it is misfiring. Ask your mechanic to review the data with you and tell you why he thinks its misfiring.
An EGR valve generally does not cause the kinds of problems you are referring too BUT it is a part of the vacuum system. It's possible that it has created a problem with the vacuum system of the car resulting in the kinds of symptoms you are experiencing. I would first ask the mechanic if to give you more definitive information about the misfire and then I would do the EGR valve. You can also try cleaning your airflow sensor and possibly replacing that too since it looks like that is causing some problems as well - the two codes are not likely related since the airflow sensor comes before the EGR valve in the vacuum system.
@inthedetails
Thank you so much for your insights! I agree it needs more investigation, I just don’t want to keep throwing money at the problem and not have it run much better after it all. Thanks again!
No problem! Cleaning the airflow sensor might be the way to go then if you're worried about wasting money and not fixing the problem. I would also inspect the vacuum hoses for damage or leaks (also pretty much free to do). Try that and see if the symptoms go away. If not scan for codes again and post back here
@inthedetails
10/11/2020 3:38 pm
I cleaned the mass airflow sensor but no luck. Also cleaned the intake and it didn’t work. One of Scotty’s videos said to try premium fuel or fuel system cleaner additive, I tried those and no difference. I still need to recheck the vacuum hoses. I think this Explorer is going to attain the status of “that old Ford” lol. Thanks again for your help, I will follow up if I find anything else out. -Dave
I cleaned the mass airflow sensor but no luck. Also cleaned the intake and it didn’t work. One of Scotty’s videos said to try premium fuel or fuel system cleaner additive, I tried those and no difference. I still need to recheck the vacuum hoses. I think this Explorer is going to attain the status of “that old Ford” lol. Thanks again for your help, I will follow up if I find anything else out. -Dave