error codes p0171,p0174

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

my check engine light comes on sometimes and when it does i plug my xcal-2 in and it reads 2 codes.p-0171 and p-0174.i read that meant bank 1 and bank 2 is to lean.what could be causing this and what to do to fix it.my truck is a 2000 explorer sport with the 4.0l ohv.107,000 miles.thanks!

 

[L4CX]

Did ya search? I'm thinking the answer is something like.....It could be a Vacuem leak so check all the lines and pressure to see what that's at. If all the lines are good it could be an engine Gasket Leak. Pray for a vacuum line.
It could also be the fuel system. There is a Shreadder valve on the fuel rail to check it. You can get a Gauge at an auto shop for like 20-40 bucks. And Finally, Search the site. This is a Common code for the OHV (I have it) and there is a ton of threads on it. Good luck.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

thanks for the info.im going to check for leaks first.then take it from there.but i'll try to search on here some more.thanks again!

 

[brianjwilson]

There's a VERY good chance that the intake manifold gaskets are bad.
I just replaced them on my 97 a few months ago due to the same codes. The CEL was on for a while, and eventually caused the engine to run like ass when it was cold (wife's car). That's when I replaced the gaskets, no problems since.

 

[brianjwilson]

Here you go
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171819

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

ok thanks a million! i'll check it out.i read the write up you gave me.....very detailed! i will be sure to print all that out.how can i tell for sure if its the gasket leaking?

 

[brianjwilson]

Honestly, I'm not sure. Try posting in that other thread for an answer. I replaced mine because everyone pointed my towards it when I had problems, and they were right. It was cheap for the gasket kit, just involved a little bit of time. Didn't take all that long though, either. Just make sure the vacuum lines go back to the right places. Speaking of that, first thing I would do is check to make sure all of the vacuum hoses are tight and free of cracks.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

ok sounds good.im going to check all my vacum lines first.then take it from there.thanks a lot!

 

[ThePhoenix]

i have been chasing these two codes for two months now (altho not very diligently)

 

[briwayjones]

How many miles are on the plugs and wires and what kind of plugs are they? Over worn plugs and wires can cause those codes.

 

[ThePhoenix]

i changed my plugs, still havent changed wires...but you would think wires would make a rich code...or maybe it has less resistance so it burns differently...I dunno

 

[briwayjones]

Those codes are lean codes. It could be the wires.

 

[brianjwilson]

I changed plugs and wires at the same time. But it's a lean code, meaning too much air, or not enough fuel. Bad wires would cause the mixture to seem more rich if it isn't burning all of the fuel, or a misfire code on a specific cylinder I believe.
Nevertheless, good idea to replace the wires after 100k miles.
Look for something that's letting more air in (like bad intake gaskets for example )

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

i just put new taylor spiro pro 8mm wires on and bosh platinum irridium plugs like 7k miles ago.

 

[maxerious]

ya i got the same codes i couldnt find any leaks so imma replace the upper intake manifold gaskets and hope that does it i will let you guys know if thats it i am gonna do it monday or tuesday

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

yea ok max sounds good! let us know if that makes the check engine light and codes go away.if so, i'll do that to mine.good luck!

 

[briwayjones]

I changed plugs and wires at the same time. But it's a lean code, meaning too much air, or not enough fuel. Bad wires would cause the mixture to seem more rich if it isn't burning all of the fuel, or a misfire code on a specific cylinder I believe.
Nevertheless, good idea to replace the wires after 100k miles.
Look for something that's letting more air in (like bad intake gaskets for example )

I don't know exactly how it would cause it. But I know I had those two codes and had about 106,000 on the original plugs and wires. The plugs were terrible when I pulled them. The codes went away after I changed the plugs and wires and didn't come back which was about 9,000 miles ago.

 

[briwayjones]

i just put new taylor spiro pro 8mm wires on and bosh platinum irridium plugs like 7k miles ago.

Are they platinum, or irridium plugs? Those are two different kinds of plugs. Explorers tend to not like Bosch plugs at all.

 

[maxerious]

well shoot i donno now i was gonna go buy the gaskets for tomorrow and just for kicks i hooked up my obdII scanner since it had been like 100 miles or more since i reset it and i got the green light no error codes and the pcm had finished doing all its tests and it didnt detect any leaks so i guess i will just drive it and if it pops up again i will know its there to stay and i will replace my upper intake gaskets

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

Are they platinum, or irridium plugs? Those are two different kinds of plugs. Explorers tend to not like Bosch plugs at all.

they are the irridium plugs.they were like $9.95 each.but yea i heard that a lot, explorers dont like the bosh plugs.i was told to go with the ngk plugs,denso, or even them autolite plugs.