Running to lean.. (really need help) | Ford Explorer Forums

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Running to lean.. (really need help)

kyleb617

Active Member
Joined
October 2, 2010
Messages
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City, State
Everett, MA
Year, Model & Trim Level
1999 XLT
Im having a problem with my 99 explorer xlt, when running the code it says that its running to lean. The mechanic who was inspecting my truck said it was an oxygen sensor. After taking it to another mechanic they had some trouble diagnosing the issue. First they said it wasnt an oxygen sensor, and that it was a mass airflow sensor. They tried that and it still was not running correctly. Then they tried to see if there was a vacuum leak.. no leaks. After another day they said it was the fuel pump and was going to be about a $550 repair (didnt go thru with it) The symptoms my truck is having is as follows.. hesitation when accelerating on the highway and sometimes hard starts. Other then that everything runs fine. I guess my question is is what else could it be? Id rather get some input before I go out and spend money on parts and have someone do the labor only for that to not be the problem..

Also, my truck was hesitating up hills if i wasn't going fast enough.. this issue however was somehow fixed after leaving the mechanic. The other issues still lie. The mechanic said my fuel pump wasnt running at full potential. I believe he said it should be at about 30psi and was running at 27psi.. again im not to sure of the exact numbers he said, but want to throw that in there. Thanks !!!
 



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What engine and what code?
 












It would help if you could get the code read and find out the fuel pressure. There could be dozens of things causing the lean condition. The code will narrow it down.
 






Try this. If your correct about what your mechanic said about the fuel pressure think about getting a new mechanic, or have him look at a diffrent book..

Fuel pressure test

Sounds like a vacuume leak.
 






low fuel pressure

. . . I believe he said it should be at about 30psi and was running at 27psi.. again im not to sure of the exact numbers he said, but want to throw that in there. Thanks !!!

Your 1999 should be a returnless fuel system with a fuel pressure of 60 to 65 psi.
 






P0173 and code P0174 are both codes that popedup
 






Here is some info on both codes. Your fuel pressure, if low, could cause the codes but I'd think it should also kick the bank 1 code. As should the MAF sensor. I'd probably clean the MAF sensor, reset the code and see if it comes back. If it did my next step would be a proper fuel pressure test.

P0173 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical DescriptionFuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)

What does that mean?This code is one that surfaces with certain makes of automobiles more than others. In writing this article I've added Mercedes-Benz-specific info since it seems that M-B (and VW) are most prone to having this P0173 surface along with misfire codes or other fuel trim codes. P0173 means there was a malfunction in the computer's control of the air:fuel ratio.

It also indicates that the fuel trims reached their limit of adding fuel while trying to compensate for a actual or perceived rich condition. When the fuel trims reach their rich correction limit, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sets a P0173, indicating a problem or malfunction in the fuel trims. It may also have a P0170 referring to the same malfunction but on bank one.


Symptoms of a P0173 DTC may include:

MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) Illumination
Start and stall
Poor fuel economy
Black smoke at tailpipe
Hesitation/misfire at idle or under load

Potential causes include a vacuum leak, unmetered air leaks Fuel saturated engine oil Leak in turbo air charge hoses (if equipped) Possibly bad O2 sensor (If Mercedes, may require adaptation with M-Benz compatible scan tool.) Oil contamination in MAF connector or O2 sensor connectors. Also check ignition coils, cam and crank sensors, and oil sensor for leakage contributing to oil intrusion in wiring harness. Defective MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor (especially on Mercedez-Benz and other European autos. There are a lot of problems with aftermarket MAF sensors.) Defective fuel pressure regulator Leaking camshaft adjuster solenoids (Mercedes-Benz).

Possible Solutions. It should be stated right off the bat that the most common problem associated with this code is the MAF sensor or air mass meter. This is especially the case with Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen and other European cars. At time of writing, you don't normally see this code with American-made cars, and minimally with Asian, and, to be honest, I have no idea why. It appears to me that the PCM (powertrain control module) logic used by some European car manufacturers to set a P0173 (or P0173) fault code simply isn't used by American vehicle manufacturers. It is more common to see P0171, 0174, 0172, 0175 codes set with regard to fuel trim malfunctions on American cars. There is very little information on the setting conditions for a P0173, or P0173, but what information that is available almost seems to be a redundancy of the P0171,4,2 & 5 setting conditions. I'm sure there's a reason for it, but I can't get anyone to tell me what that is. The similarities between them may be why we don't see this code surface on domestic vehicles very often. It's simply unnecessary. So, simply put, if you have a P0173, your PCM noticed that the fuel trims reached their rich correction limit. Basically it's adding fuel to try to compensate for a lean condition, real or perceived.

If you have this code and access to a scan tool, observe the MAF sensor reading in grams/sec. The reading will be different for different automobiles, so get a good spec. I'm going to stick with what would be normal for a Mercedes (1.8L), since they have the bulk of the trouble. Expect to see at idle 3.5-5 g/s (ideally). At 2500 RPMs with no load it should be between 9 and 12 g/s. On road test, at WOT (wide open throttle) it should be 90 g/s or well above. If it's not in specs, replace it. Be careful of Ebay MAFs. Often they don't work according to OE specifications. If the MAF checks out and there is no oil intrusion at the connector, check fuel pressure and ensure that there are no leaks at the regulator internally or externally. Check all vacuum hoses and confirm none are cracked, disconnected or missing. Make sure there are no vacuum leaks at the intake manifold gaskets or tears in the air supply hose. If the engine is turbo charged, be sure the hoses are in good condition and have no leaks. Leaking turbo pressure hoses could cause a rich condition. Inspect the condition of crankcase vent hose under intake manifold and operation of check valve in the hose. (In the "What are the causes?" section) If there doesn't appear to be any problems with the fuel pressure, MAF or vacuum hoses, then inspect the O2 sensor connectors for oil intrusion. A bad O2 sensor could cause a P0170, or P0173. Repair cause of oil leak and replace oil-fouled O2 sensor.


P0174 OBD-II Trouble Code


Technical Description

System Too Lean (Bank 2)

What does that mean?

Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 2 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 2 is generally the side of the engine that doesn't have cylinder #1.

Note: This DTC is very similar to P0171, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.

Symptoms

You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.

Causes

A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
•The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
•There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible Solutions

Possible solutions include:
•In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
•Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
•Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
 






You can unplug the MAF sensor when its running and see if it makes a difference, if the MAF was faulty it can send bad readings back causing it to run poorly, unplugging it will just close it out, if no difference i would put a fuel pressure test on it and get a number.
When was the last time it was tuned up? Plugs, Fuel filter***, ext?
 






I got these same codes and like a fool replaced all four oxygen sensors. The problem was still there. After running the fuel pressure test, you can rent it for free from many auto supple places like Autozone, I discovered my fuel pressure was 24 psi. I replaced my fuel pump and everything has been great ever since.
 






This is my first post as a nebie to this forum. I know this has already been mentioned several times but I will mention it again.

I was having the exact same simptoms with my 94 explorer a week ago. I pulled the mass airflow sensor and sprayed the gunk off of the resistors with electrical contact cleaner and it now runs like a champion again. It only took about 5 minutes. The sensor was located on the air intake just after the air filter and required the removal of to T-20 screws. It was obvious as soon as I looked at it that it was covered in grime. I know you said a mechanic already looked at this but it is so simple I would want to check it myself. Hope this helps.
 






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