C3401 Ford Escort Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3401 Ford Escort code definition:
C3401 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Escort.

C3401 Ford Escort is described as Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction. This code is strictly about the incoming signal from the FRP (fuel rail pressure) sensor falling below the calibrated limit for a certain period of time. Any code that causes the vehicle's engine to die while running should be fixed as soon as possible, as it can be dangerous for both the vehicle and the passengers of the vehicle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C3401 Ford Escort diagnostic trouble code may include:

The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Faulty or damaged wiring
Hesitation upon acceleration
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3401 Ford Escort is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C3401 Ford Escort.

Fortunately, C3401 Ford Escort is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.