97 v8 gremlin and intro

[adrock]

Morning guys and gals - this is my introduction post to say hi and document my O2 issue.

Like about 1,232,855 other people, I've got O2 issues (P0141). I pulled the console out and opened the trapdoor (thanks to this forum). I tested voltage on the heating circuit and wasn't getting anything. The other blue sensor (other post-cat I think) was at 11.5v. It looked like there was some clear gunk on the post, so I swabbed both sides of the connection and tested - 11.5v! yay! I put it all back together (with old sensor) and got the code again this morning.

Has anyone seen issues with bad wiring to this spot? Everything looked ok - no visible damage, dry, etc. I'll keep you updated, but if anyone has had similar issues, holler!

Thanks!

PS - '97 Ex V8 AWD, 100k mi,

 

[adrock]

I forgot to brag on my Ex deal! My boss was trading in their Ex for a toyota subcompact. They wanted $2000 for it, so I grabbed it.

1997 Explorer XLT (I think) 5.0 V8 AWD - great shape in and out. Big scratch on the tailgate and duct tape on the center console lid, but otherwise perfect. Only 100K miles - they used it for towing their pontoon boat to the lake and PA equipment for their church (both in late 50's - no crazy driving).

It needs front tires badly, needs shocks, but otherwise I'm really happy (besides getting 14 mpg) - nature of the beast I guess..

 

[Turdle]

I almost didn't even look at your thread-
the title said 02 gremlin and I assumed it meant a 2002 explorer-

I took the liberty changing the title so you'd get some help

 

[Turdle]

The po171 is a lean o2 reading for bank 1-
do you by chance have a ticking noise from the passenger side of the engine--especially under load? Might be a small exhaust leak-or large, which is about the most common problem on these trucks

Another bit of advice for you

You need a full set of tires-and to keep them rotated often. The AWD system works, or, engages when a difference in rotational speed is noticed from front to rear-
worn tires on one axle could have as much as 1" difference in diameter from axle to axle, which would be very bad on the AWD transfer case. This would make it chatter itself to death from the rapid engagement-disengagement of the clutches IMO

I would rather see 4 inexpensive matching tires installed than 2 good mismatched ones--
Also-
I have noticed "actual measured" tire sizing to vary-from brand to brand.

 

[adrock]

The po171 is a lean o2 reading for bank 1

Another bit of advice for you

You need a full set of tires-and to keep them rotated often.

Thanks! I'm actually getting code P0141 now - bad heating circuit on the sensor. I was getting lean on both banks when I bought it, but I cleared the codes and those haven't come back yet.

Good to know re tires - I thought this AWD was just a constant on - I didn't know it switched.. The truck has cheapos with good tread on the back and pretty worn cheapos on the front..

 

[reserved50]

just change the O2 if you want to throw parts at it, maybe 50$?, usually fixes the problem especially if its the heater circuit. the AWD is constant on, about 75?? 25 split, 70ish to the rear all the time unless the viscous transfer case senses slip then its 50-50, its all mechanical no electronics inside it.
Are you sure you tested the connector properly the first time, if so you have a wiring/computer problem. Im not sure on these Fords but some vehicles have a timing circuit on the o2, after a certain time or temperature its shuts off the heater circuit.