Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Check engine light

I had my check engine light go on 2 weeks ago. Car runs fine. Took it into the local reapir shop and they pulled a P0172 code. They recommended changing both o2 sensors and cleaning the K/N filter. All repairs were done and the light continues to come on a day after the repairs. He mentioned that the filter should be replaced as its getting old. Was I hosed on the o2 sensors, it cost $160 a piece to have them replaced?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Tony. I will try and recoup some of the cash, but not holding my breath. I will clean the MAF and see where that takes me.

I concur -- very very probably 'dirt' on the MAF.

I have a K+N on my 97 SE V6 and twice a year clean the filter and MAF.

Only the 'lightest' of 'layers' of oil is needed on the K+N filter to keep it 'good'.

After a week or so - after cleaning and oiling the K+N - I take it off and then - using 'electrical switch cleaner' - I give the two 'filaments' of the MAF a good soaking. (Put a wad of Kleenex UNDER the 'venturi tube' to soak up excess.)

I wait a week because I'm figuring any 'excess' of oil, on the K+N, will have already dissipated down the throttle body. Thus, it makes little or no sense to clean the MAF immediately after re-oiling a K+N.

Don't be tempted to stick a cotton bud into the venturi to 'super clean' the MAF filaments. They are VERY easily broken. Just soak the living daylights out of them with fluid.

After doing all of this I disconnect fuses/relays '9' and '11' which removes all power to the ECM and ECM memory -- thus allowing the car to 'learn all over again'.

So far, going on 9 years now, have not had an iota of a prob.

Gerry