2000 Ford Explorer V8 - Check Engine Light

[Maxcady]

My check engine light is on and after going to Autozone to use their scanner, I saw that the main code was P0174.

I've changed the air filter, changed the spark plugs, cleaned the throttle body, and change the fuel filter. We reset/unplug the battery each time to turn off the light, but still, the check engine light came back on each time.

Any idea what could be the main cause of this and how to fix it? If so, what would be the costs (price range) if I took it to a mechanic to get it done?

Thanks

 

[410Fortune]

P0174 engine is running lean on bank 2

Bank 2 is cyl 5-8 on drivers side of engine
The fact that the code returns quickly tells us a few things

First thing to do is visual inspection

Any exhaust leaks on drivers side of engine?

You said the “main code was 174”
Were other codes present? Like if there was also a 171 that would indicate
Both banks are lean.

It is very rare on a 5.0
To have lean on only one bank
Usually it would also be followed with a misfire code for cyl 5-8
Because you likely have a bad injector


If it is a weak fuel pump
Issue then you would typically be lean on both banks so you would have 171 and 174

Lean on only one bank points to a fault injector, low fuel pressure, or an air
Leak on cyl 5-8 in the intake or exhaust

Please see about getting all of the trouble
Codes and write them all down. This is very important for diagnosing your
Issues over the internet

174 maybe the “main code”
But we also need to know all of the “supporting”
Codes

Plug wires should have also been changed with spark plugs,
Do not use cheap wires!!!! (Just because they are $90 at Autozone does not mean they are not cheap wires)

I would check fuel
Pressure should be 36- 42 psi at the rail

 

[Turdle]

Or, after eliminating the above,
It could be just a tired O2 sensor.

If the primary sensors side to side were swapped, and the code changes to a po171, you know the sensor was at fault.

For now though, we should assume it is working and reporting a problem.

If you pull the driver side spark plugs , lay them in order, take a picture of them. If there is a weak injector it should be evident on a spark plug.

 

[410Fortune]

2000 has cast manifolds
They like to spit out the front two
Bolts and then the exhaust manifold gasket

Check for exhaust leaks, they sound like a loud ticking noise. They can be spotted with a flashlight, Black soot will be evident at the leak site

 

[V8]

<<snip>>

First thing to do is visual inspection



Plug wires should have also been changed with spark plugs,
Do not use cheap wires!!!! (Just because they are $90 at Autozone does not mean they are not cheap wires)

I would check fuel
Pressure should be 36- 42 psi at the rail

I've had a terrible time with plug wires on my 01 5.0 sploder. Most aftermarket wire sets from the parts stores are very cheaply made, and the wires themselves for the back cylinders on both sides are too long, making routing around the 5.0 Explorer manifolds difficult to impossible. As mentioned above, my "premium" plug wires from the local store was about $90.00. I was able to find a set of Motorcraft wires at Rock Auto for mine, maybe they have some left?

 

[410Fortune]

yes they have motorcraft and other very good wires (united or SMP. NGK are premium wires) for way less then even the cheap sets at brick and mortar stores
I route the wires towards the fender skirts on the 5.0 avoiding the exhaust and manifolds all together
Factory routing along the valve covers is not only near impossible to access but it is hard on the wires and troublesome with aftermarket headers.
routing outwards towards the plastic fender skirt and then in towards the engine = way less issues

2000 FORD EXPLORER 5.0L V8 Spark Plug Wire | Shop Now at RockAuto

Ignition Parts and More for Your 2000 FORD EXPLORER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com