Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Test Procedure
- MX1 CHECK THE EGR VALVE POSITION VALUES NOTE: DTC P0170 may be accompanied by other DTCs. Diagnose all other DTCs before entering this pinpoint test.
- Ignition ON, engine OFF.
- Access the PCM and monitor the EGRVP (VOLT) PID.
- Monitor the EGRVP PID and compare the values to the EGR valve position sensor table.
- Access the PCM and control the EGRVPDES (PER) PID.
- Increase the EGRVPDES PID to 100%.
EGR VALVE POSITION SENSOR (APPROXIMATE)EGR Command EGR V Minimum EGR V Maximum 0% (F-150 and Transit) 5% (all others) 0.4 V (F-150) 0.71 V (Transit) 0.61 V (F-650/F-750) 0.68 V (all others) 0.6 V (F-150) 0.90 V (Transit) 1.14 V (F-650/F-750) 1.14 V (all others) 60% (F-150) 100% (Transit) 70% (all others) 2.75 V (F-150) 3.60 V (Transit) 1.903 V (F-650/F-750) 2.72 V (all others) 3.05 V (F-150) 3.82 V (Transit) 3.082 V (F-650/F-750) 3.35 V (all others) Does the EGR position volts value approximately match the values in the EGR Valve Position Sensor (Approximate) table?
Yes No GO to MX2. A concern is present in the EGR system. Follow the symptoms without DTCs direction in the pinpoint test.
GO to PINPOINT TEST W . - MX2 INTERMITTENT MAF SENSOR CHECK NOTE: The MAF_HZ PID value fluctuates while the engine is running.
- Ignition ON, engine running.
- Access the PCM and control the EGRTP_CMD (PER) PID.
- Decrease the EGRTP_CMD PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and control the VGTDC (PER) PID.
- Decrease the VGTDC PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and control the EGRVPDES (PER) PID.
- Decrease the EGRVPDES PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and monitor the MAF_HZ (FREQ) PID.
- Record the MAF_HZ PID high and low values.
- Set the scan tool MAF_HZ PID graph limits 0.2 kHz above and below the previously recorded high and low values.
- While observing the PID, lightly tap on the MAF/IAT sensor and wiggle the harness from the MAF/IAT sensor to the PCM.
Does the MAF_HZ PID value exceed the set limits range?
Yes No A concern is present in the MAF system. Follow the symptoms without DTCs direction in the pinpoint test.
GO to PINPOINT TEST J .GO to MX3. - MX3 CHECK THE MAF SYSTEM OPERATION
- Ignition ON, engine running.
- Access the PCM and control the EGRTP_CMD (PER) PID.
- Decrease the EGRTP_CMD PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and control the VGTDC (PER) PID.
- Decrease the VGTDC PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and control the EGRVPDES (PER) PID.
- Decrease the EGRVPDES PID to 0%.
- Access the PCM and monitor the MAF_HZ (FREQ) PID.
- Monitor the MAF_HZ PID at idle and record the value.
- Access the PCM and control the RPMDSD (RPM) PID.
- Increase the engine speed to 1, 200 RPM.
- Record the MAF_HZ PID value.
- Increase the engine speed to 2, 000 RPM.
- Record the MAF_HZ PID value.
Is the MAF_HZ PID value between 3.5-3.8 kHz (Transit) 3.5-3.9 kHz (all others) at idle, 4.1-4.4 kHz (Transit) 4.5-5.4 kHz (all others) at 1, 200 RPM and 5.0-5.4 kHz (Transit) 5.8-6.3 kHz (all others) at 2, 000 RPM?
Yes No GO to MX4. A concern is present in the MAF system. Follow the symptoms without DTCs direction in the pinpoint test.
GO to PINPOINT TEST J . - MX4 TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM PERFORMANCE NOTE: Visually inspect the vehicle for aftermarket accessories and performance modifications (air filter, exhaust system, intake system, performance chip, turbocharger). Refer to ENGINE CONTROL (EC) SYSTEM , Modifications to OBD Vehicles.
- Check for modifications to the electronic engine control (EEC) system.
- Visually inspect the intake air system for the following:
- restricted or modified air filter or housing
- water intrusion
- worn gaskets between the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and the air cleaner assembly
- exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve gasket leak to EGR cooler
- verify the integrity of the crankcase ventilation system
- incorrectly seated engine oil dipstick, tube or oil fill cap
- leaks or restrictions in the charge air cooler (CAC)
- low CAC coolant level
- leaks, cracks, loose connections, punctures, or any other non-factory modifications
- Visually inspect the exhaust system for the following:
- tailpipe modifications that increase or decrease the exhaust restriction
- leaks, cracks, loose connections, punctures, or any other non-factory modifications
Is a concern present?
Yes No REPAIR as necessary.
Clear the PCM DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.GO to MX5.
- MX5 CHECK THE CHARGE AIR COOLER, AIR INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR LEAKS AND RESTRICTIONS NOTE: Strict observance of posted speed limits and attention to driving conditions are mandatory when carrying out the road test. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.