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???????

zetec herman

CEG'er
Joined
Oct 26, 2005
Messages
56
Location
Hamburg, New York
Here's the scenario:

Take contour to car wash (self wash). Leave car wash. Come to red light. Upon coming to full speed, the CEL comes on. Turn around and head to autozone.

Have one code:
P0171

Autozone tells me its the MAF. What I'm finding shows it system bank 1 too lean. How could Autozone be so far off?

Could this be caused to something getting wet from the wash?

When I came home, I ran the car using the remote start (trying to dry it out). When I click the unlock button (key fob), the lights blink (all lights, including the instrument cluster. Tried starting the car regular, lights are fine.

I checked under the hood. It almost seemed as if something was hissing. I'm not sure however, as I never listen for stuff like this.

What's going on?????
 
Last edited:
"P0171

Autozone tells me its the MAF. What I'm finding shows it system bank 1 too lean. How could Autozone be so far off?"

They could be correct.

From TSB,
P0171 - System Too Lean (Bank 1)The Adaptive Fuel Strategy continuously monitors fuel delivery hardware. The code is set when the adaptive fuel tables reach a rich calibrated limit.

Fuel System:
· Contaminated fuel injectors
· Low fuel pressure or running out of fuel (fuel pump, filter, fuel supply line restrictions)
· Vapor recovery system (VMV)
Induction System:
· MAF contamination
· Air leaks between the MAF and throttle body
· Vacuum leaks
· PCV system concern
· Improperly seated engine oil dipstick
EGR System:
· Leaking gasket
· Stuck EGR valve
· Leaking diaphragm or EVR
Base Engine:
· Exhaust leaks before or near the HO2S
· Secondary air concern
Powertrain Control System:
· PCM concern

"Could this be caused to something getting wet from the wash?"
Probably not. If any, it could be the force of the water finally causing a hole from a rusty exhaust.

"I checked under the hood. It almost seemed as if something was hissing."
You probably have a vacuum leak, broken hose or some clamps went loose. Use some carb cleaner to spray around clamps, gaskets and hoses. If idle changes, you found the leak.
 
I definately hear a hissing coming from the driver side. I can't locate it. I haven't tried any carb cleaner (what is this?). Tried looking at the vacuum diagram on the hood. Don't understand where this wires are (the map is confusing me).
 
Mine was making a "hissing" noise in the same area. There's a "corrogated" (ribbed) vacuum line that looks a lot like a wiring harness, it runs along the left side of the engine (Driver's side). It's just behind and below the ignition coil block. Check to make sure it hasn't chafed (rubbed) against the A/C line that runs parallel to it. If it has, it could be causing enough leak to throw the "Lean" code. I fixed a rubbed through spot in mine with gasket sealer (use the "sensor-safe" stuff) and some electrical tape. It's held up just fine for quite a while. The "molded" vacuum line looks too expensive to replace vs. repair. Good Luck M8 !
 
$20 for that evap emissions hose from Bill J. Just had this happen before Thanksgiving. It goes from PCV valve to the Evap emissions valve. Mine had bumped the EGR and melted, drove me nuts!!!!!
 
Willbob,

I believe mine had the same problem yours had. It was that plastic ribbed line that runs parallel to the AC line. I was flexing it and it just snapped in pieces. I cannot believe these lines could be made like this! I just junked the ribbed lines and replaced to stretch with rubber heater hose.
 
Hyeah, I guess making that line out of that stuff was one of Ford's "Better Ideas"... If I find a listing and a source for a reasonable replacement, I'll PM you with the results.
Pull your negative battery lead for about 5 minutes, to let the computer "reset" itself. The fuel trims the computer "learns" need to be "forgotten"... :)

Will
 
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