Check engine light

[Jon Burns]

The check engine light came on. So after much pxxxing about and a call to Ford UK I got it into a main dealer who hooked up their diagnostic gear and an hour later announced that the timing chain would need to be changed under recall. (They could hear it rattling). No drama there then. I managed to get them to show me the printout which showed a code P0171 (sytem adaptive fuel too lean - bank 1). Are the two linked? Would a timing chain / tensioner fault trigger a check engine light and show that fault code or are the two things just a coincidence. They tell me that the mule train carrying the parts is due any week now (14 days later). Can I expect the timing chain to get fixed and leave the check engine light still on because the car still needs say, the intake manifold gaskets changiing? I need the car for a trip to Germany later this month (September)so forwarned is forearmed as they say. Any thoughts on this gratefully received.

 

[Rhett]

Was your truck pinging? Pinging or pre-detonation _could_ conceivably be a timing issue. Of course with that anti-knock sensor you may not get pinging with your truck, it would just retard the timing which would hurt performance. I can see how an off timing chain could cause a lean code to be thrown though. The timing chain problem can cause the engine to misfire but I'm not sure about running lean. Heck, if they replace the timing chain and you don't get a check eng light then I would consider that the solution.

I need the car for a trip to Germany later this month (September)

That is neat. ARe you going to put your Explorer on a ferry and go across the channel that way? (if no you better have a long snorkel ) How does that work? I was in Switzerland last Feb. and I never saw an explorer! I did see some interesting Fords though, Escorts with different ground effects and so on.

 

[jasonb]

i have that code showing right now! cleaning the MAF and IAC didn't help it. anyway.. robert (an sohc expert on the board) mentioned an extended warranty order for the intake manifold o-rings being bad. if they replace the tensioner, then they should replace these o-rings as well. that could be causing the problem too according to them. i've had the tensioner redone, but i think it was before the o-ring thing was issued. make sure they fix this as well, it should be free assuming this is an international thing with the o-rings. maybe robert will respond and offer more insight.

 

[Robert]

Jon - Not sure how the Ford Owner Notification Programs work over in the UK, but you have two different problems going on. No, the timing chain repair will not clear your CEL. Your CEL is on because your lower intake manifold o-rings are leaking. In the US, they would be covered under ONP 00M12. Along with the o-rings, ford would replace your camshaft tensioners. The timing chain noise your dealer heard would be covered under ONP 01M01 here in the US. That ONP covers the front left camshaft chain guide. Be sure that your dealer applies both programs or esle you will still have your CEL or the rattle.

 

[Jon Burns]

Rhett:

There's a high speed ferry link between Harwich (UK) and Hoek van Holland (NL) which is great for destinations in Holland and northern Germany. It takes about 3 1/2 hours (it runs at 40 knots+).

JasonB

Thanks I'm going to look into this.


Robert,

I do agree with you on this. I'm not entirely sure how Ford implement ONP's here but come Monday morning I'm going to be an expert. I want my car back and fixed and fixed properly. AND I want it back soon. If I can find out what the fault codes mean then a main dealer damn welll ought to be able to work them out. I am going to be on the phone to Ford UK to get them to put pressure on the dealer if I don't get the right noises from their service manager. (I feel better now). Thanks to you and the other guys for helping me out with this.