95 check engine code

[okk9]

I've looked at all the post on the check engine light and stored codes, but I'm having a problem thats no one has posted yet. I have a 95 XLT with 70k, new plugs, wires, filters, etc. On trips over 75 mile the check engine light would flash on and off, or stay on for a while then go off. On a recent trip from OK to CA the light came on about 100 into the trip and stayed on pretty much all of the way. My gas mileage went from 20mpg to 15mpg. When I got home I checked the codes with a actron scanner. It showed 176, heated exhaust gas o2 sensor - lean bank #2. I figure bank 2 means the passenger side sensor. So I changed it out and no more light, even at trips of 100 mile. Gas milage went back up to 20mpg. However last week I drove about 350 miles, at around 200 miles the check engine light came on again. When I got home I checked the code and it showed 176 again and yes I did clear the previous code out of the computer. So anyone have an idea of whats going on. This is getting frustrating.

 

[jeffseal]

i have the exact same problem let me know if you figure it out. can you explain a little more about the o2 sensor.

 

[Ira]

I am not an expert at this but I am quickly becoming one. If you read my post on Check Engine Light on 91 Explorer, I think you will understand.

According to my manual, it shows #1 cylinder as the front cylinder on the passengers side. To me, I would think of this as being bank #1 and the drivers side as bank #2. If this is true, you may have changed the sensor on the wrong side. Also, you may have a defective sensor even though it is new. Mine is a 91 and it only has 1 sensor total. Yours has at least 2 (1 each side) if not 4.

Another long shot is a clogged injector. I would try running a bottle of fuel injector cleaner thru it and see if it makes any difference.

You may possibly be able to pull your spark plugs out and inspect them to see if it is a problem with just one cylinder or a whole bank.

Jeff,
The oxygen sensor senses the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. High oxygen=lean mixture and low oxygen=rich mixture. The computer uses the readings to adjust the pulse on the injectors to either richen or lean it out. If the computer senses a bad O2 sensor, it will go into a loop program until the problem is solved. In other words, it will not use the information from this sensor but instead, it will go back to a preset program in the computer which is usually too rich and will cause a decrease in fuel economy.

Good luck Dead Link Removed.

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Ira

91 XLT 4x4

 

[bcorff]

I had the exact same problem with the check engine light only on long trips and mine ultimately proved to be the O2 sensors. I agree with Ira, I think maybe you changed the O2 sensor on the wrong side or used the wrong O2 sensor. Bosch makes two different sensors for 95's, one for 2wd without CA emmisions and another for both 2wd with CA emmisions and 4wd. If you have 4wd you need the one that is Bosch #13225. I think the one for 2wd w/o CA emmisions is #13187, but don't hold me to that. I would return the O2 sensor that you bought (just to make sure that it is not the problem), and then replace both sides with the Bosch sensors. I am 90% sure that this will fix your problem. I got mine at NAPA in Oklahoma City for $51.49 apice.

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Brian Corff
'95 XLT 4x4 V6

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