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P0172 and surging other problems..

F

FrancisPennysac

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Dec 13, 2014
Messages
502
Location
PA
Hey guys hows it going? I have CEL p0172 and my car seems to "surge" while cruising at speed. Once the car is warmed up it wont stay running at a red-light and dies out on me..

I will be cleaning the MAF and checking for vacuum leaks.. Anything else I should maybe be looking at as well? The car has 168K on it.. Engine leaks oil, it pulls like a tank but again even if I'm just coasting it will want to die, unless the throttle is held.

I had it die at 100mph the other day during a test drive when I let off the throttle so I had to fire it back up with clutch held in at 100!!! ugh! ;(

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

From what Ive looked into this could be a bad O2 sensor/ Dirty MAF. Whats the best way to diagnos this problem??

I just got the car and am looking into restoring it to its former glory, Its in decent shape for the mileage and for 1,000$ i paid said and done, its hard to beat.

Its a 2000 Number 0719 of 2150. Black/Tan

The car does have a full exhaust on it (minus headers) so im not sure if Im getting the CEL from the downstream O2 I haven't had a chance to see if it even there honestly..

I've read a bit about "MIL" eliminators... IN the case the other O2 isn't there is this the route that I would have to take to prevent my CEL from coming on?

I also have the ABS coming on here and there and get a little "vibration" from the brake pedal as if the ABS is engaging and pulsating... THen a block or so later... nothing ?????? IM at a loss.

If I think of anything else Ill add as I find. Sorry to edit so much in but IM so excited I want to start it off right.

Thanks guys
 
The code shows a bank 1 system too rich, which can be the primary oxygen sensor, fuel injectors, misfires, exhaust leak, fuel pressure too high or faulty MAF.

I'd replace the primary, upstream o2 sensors (in pairs), do a complete tune-up, plugs and wires, and clean the injectors. I also prefer to pull the intake and clean it as well.

The rich condition has nothing to do with the downstream o2 sensor, or vacuum leaks.
 
Thanks CClngthr! I will be pulling apart the upper and lower intake for cleaning, already read the how to :)

I believe since the milage is so high Ill just go ahead and replace the O2's as well as a tune-up/clean injectors,MAF, see if that doesn't "fix" my problem.

I am "new" to the duratech motor and have read just about every stickie regarding the issue.

I have a 98 Zetec mystique that I am very familiar with, this is a horse of a different color...so im in a bit of a learning curve.

Will advise monday how it is going :)
 
1999 Contour SVT 180,000

For years I had p0171,p0172, maf, low effeciency cat codes, some idle issues, etc, etc.
Did smog test (Firestone) and replaced intake manifold, fixed vacumn leaks. One guy wanted to replace cats.
Had to pass emissions by resetting codes waiting for two of the modules to be in ready mode, then test emissions, pass and light would come on in a few days.

Finally by suggestion from troubleshooting another car someone suggested cleaning the throttle body. Never did, it was filthy.

Guess what for the first time in 6 years I have no codes and passed emissions easily and idle perfect. Why the mechanics never checked I do not know. These should be cleaned regularly. Clean with throttle body cleaner and try not to get inside, just butterfly/entranceway. Mechanically open and close butterfly to clean. Spray, soak, wipe and repeat.

The butterfly was so gumed up it was not allowing air to enter properly.

Never changed cats or any o2 sensors in 180000 miles and car runs perfect now.
 
Thanks bill...as Its said "Do the easy ones first" So Ill start with that and cleaning the MAF

thanks for the input seriously.
 
I have found on most Duratecs, including the Mazda version of the duratec, carbon buildup is a problem on it. I have steam cleaned the internals by injecting cold water in the engine when it is running at a high rpm.
 
No problem. Any time I find something I share it. I can't tell you the times so many people on this forum have extended my knowledge on cars and save me time and money.

One simple example- Contour knocking noise under back seat when driving over bumps. Scared to bring to someone to fix since all the labor and they may not find it. It was a misaligned rubber hose( some type of insulator) on a metal bar (type, i forget since 10 years ago) protecting the underside of body. Someone had same experience and 5 min. fix. Wooo
 
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