OK, galfriend has a '96 Aspire. Engine light came on. She took it
to the garage and according to her the mechanic said it was "some
sort of exhaust-valve-switch-sensor-thingy." (HER terminology. She's
not real big on exact quotes.) So the dude cleaned it, reinstalled
it and said to try that. It worked for about a week. So now it
needs to be replaced for the engine light to go out (short of
disconnecting it.)

The dude said the part would probably be about $100. Well, he
checked on it today and it is more like $390.

So several questions:

1) Does anybody know about this "exhaust-thingy" part? Anyone know
what I'm talking about or what the actual name is?

2) Does anybody know where this part can be obtained for less then
the $390 she was quoted?

Thanks!

That's the problem with all these sensors. Most of the time you'll find that when a light comes on it's the sensor and not a real problem with the vehicle. Like with the Kia Sportage, nearly all of them have the O2 sensors go bad, and this is a constant thing. My wife finally said the heck with it and just drives it. Think she is used to the little light being on all the time now.

OK...here is the deal. Ford calls it a egr boost sensor. It is located by the windshield washer motor with 2 solenoids. It is really a map sensor and can be purchased new from autozone for $92. Remove the 3 10mm nuts and the vacuum tubes and electrical connector. This sensor is on the left side of this plate. You will see a hole toward the back of where this unit slides on. Lightly drill this out as it stands proud of the metal just a hair and makes it hard to remove. If you have a dremel then just grind it down a hair. Remove and replace with new unit.