1994 Ford Escort NOx Fail EGR Vacuum
Does it have DPFE ( Differential Pressure Feedback EGR) EGR positioning sensor
The computer gets a sensor input to activate the solenoid to transfer vacuum to the EGR-
When you apply direct vacuum it opens-good-check the solenoid/vacuum hoses going to it and out from it while slowly accelerating to 2k rpm-it should have vacuum going to the EGR.
The purpose of the EGR is to recirculate the exhaust gases back to the engine to be reburn that way it lowers the combustion temperature and prevent the formation of oxides of nitrogen.
NOX failures are usually EGR-related, since the EGR system is primarily responsible for reducing oxides of nitrogen. But NOX emissions can also be caused by a bad three-way converter or a computer control system that remains in open loop
You need to confirm whether it has the DPFE I just threw that in as posibility.Dunno the set up on this model
Did you do the 2k rpm check? when the engine is running at idle it shouldn't have vacuum going to the EGR-if so the solenoid has a problem.
Suggested Repair
Confirm EGR vacuum control: at idle there should be no vacuum to the EGR, but vacuum should reach it while slowly accelerating to about 2,000 rpm. Inspect the vacuum hoses to and from the solenoid; if none is delivered, retest or replace the EGR solenoid, since a replacement can also be faulty. Confirm whether this Escort uses a DPFE sensor. If EGR vacuum is restored and NOx remains high, also consider a failing catalytic converter or a computer staying in open loop.
Conversation Summary
A 1994 Ford Escort failed an emissions test for high NOx, with codes for no EGR valve opening and the throttle position sensor. Oil, plugs, throttle-body cleaning, and an EGR solenoid replacement did not change the readings. The EGR opened with direct vacuum, but the owner found no vacuum from the solenoid. The expert explained that the computer should command the solenoid to supply vacuum while accelerating to about 2,000 rpm, not at idle, and advised checking the hoses and solenoid. The expert also noted that NOx can result from a bad catalytic converter or open-loop computer control, and that DPFE presence should be confirmed for this model.
