Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting code 172/175

I recently purchased a 98 SVT, the car had not been running and the owner did not have a clue as to what or why. He did say that someone had replaced the "computer" and handed it to me in a plastic bag. I found that the PCM was incorrect and had an internal short. I replaced the bad PCM with the correct one (or so the dealership would have me belive)and got the car running but the codes 172/175 (banks 1 and 2 running rich) kept popping. Today was the first chance I had to drive the car. I cleared the codes and drove the car for most of the day. Took the scenic route as well as the freeway. and the car seem to run fine, just about the time I was ready to call it a day, bam code 172 (bank one running rich) popped. I cleared the code and drove it and it seem to hold. One thing I did notice is, I got a misfire while accelerating hard, at about 4800. "Whew" talk about the long why around the barn. So can anybody help me. What can I do to get rid of this code. I've waited a long time for an SVT I hope someone can help me.
Thanks

Welcome .
From TSB,
P0172 - System Too Rich (Bank 1) The Adaptive Fuel Strategy continuously monitors fuel delivery hardware. The code sets when the adaptive fuel tables reach a lean calibrated limit.

Fuel System:
�· Excessive fuel pressure
�· Leaking/contaminated fuel injectors
�· Vapor recovery system concern

Base Engine:
�· Oil overfill
�· Cam timing concern
�· Low cylinder compression
�· Excessive engine wear

Powertrain Control System:
�· PCM concern

Induction System:
�· MAF contamination

P0175 - System Too Rich (Bank 2) Same as DTC P0172, but Bank 2. See Possible Causes for DTC P0172

Thanks so much welcome and reply. Here is the check list.

Fuel System:
�· Excessive fuel pressure - I suspect the regulator is the problem, I will do a pressure check
�· Leaking/contaminated fuel injectors - what is the best way to check this. I notice no order of fuel
�· Vapor recovery system concern -- lost here
Base Engine:
�· Oil overfill -------------- Just serviced oil is good
�· Cam timing concern --- What is the best way to check this
�· Low cylinder compression -- see below
�· Excessive engine wear --- The car just Broke 64K
Powertrain Control System:
�· PCM concern - what is the best way to verify this concern
Induction System:
�· MAF contamination - this was my first concern. Cleaned (twice)

along side...not knowing the condition before buying it...I would give the old air filter a look and get some new plugs...

If your filter is REALLY clogged (you aren't getting enough air) and if the plugs aren't very sparking properly...you are haing excess fuel in the exhaust that the o2 is sensing.

Thanks for the help. This site is a good place to be..
Thought I'd post some "done did that".
Changed; Oil w/filter, Air Filter, Plugs, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, UIM gasket.
Thanks again.

hey man read through this link below if u have sometime... I've had the same 2 codes for 10+months and about 11k miles... I've done so much to try and get ride of these its not even funny. Look at what all i've done maybe this can help you. I think it to be an exhaust leak comming from the exhaust manifolds to the heads or that could be masking the real problem... havnt had the time to replace the gaskets but when i do i hope that to fix the problem... If you have any input that would be great. Well either way i just figured this would help u out alittle...

Jason

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1158957&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=all

WOW, 11 months! I'm lookin and I'm hopin that this doesn't take 11 months. Have you been driving the car with those codes. I mean have they been a just a nuisance or are you noticing performance issues as well. I order an new MAF today. The manual say the cause of these codes are primarily caused by a contaminated MAF. I cleaned the one that was in it and it seem to run fine except on hard acceleration then it would start bucking at about 45-4800 rpm. I'm bumming now. I waited along time to get an SVT and reading some of these stings I'm starting to wonder if I should have bought a rice burner instead. Thanks for pointing out the sting. I'll keep you posted on my progress please keep me posted on yours

my car for that 11months and i'd say 11k or so miles has ran fine... Not one problem at all to speek of... Im just so sick and tired of havin the light on its not even funny and my inspection is due here in about a month so i gotta get it takin care of. As for me im gunna fix the exhaust leak and hope that does it. This is one job i really didnt wanna have to do due to how much of a pita it is gunna be. How much did u pay for the maf??? Did u buy it stright from ford??? I bought a used one and maybe if this fixes ur problem i will break down and buy a new one and give that a shot as well. I did hook up a scanner to my car and tested the volts and what not from the maf and it looks fine so i dont believe this is my problem. But with these 2 codes my car has ran fine for as long as i've had it. It may not get as good as gas milage but honestly i wouldnt know cuz i've never owned the car with the codes off .... ya keep me posted and i'll do the same. Good luck lol

Jason

Ok Check this out. Today I went to Advance autoparts and bought a rem. MAF. installed it, along with the new Press. reg. re-set the PCM started the car, went for a drive and Bam 172/175. My son is nearly completed his automotive training, he is enrolled in the Ford Program. (I know...) I called him and told him that I was about to give up and was going take it into the shop. One of the technicians (that he is currently apprenticing under) mentioned that the contours had big problems with the insulation around the wires, cracking leaving the wire bare. Well I have noticed alot of this. Today I pulled the PCM Plug (now I'm not saying that this is the fix) rotated the harnness so that the wires are a bit more relaxed plugged into the PCM. You ain't going to belive it... I drove the car all day doing the Honey Do thing, logged over a 100 miles and no CEL. the only problem I have noticed inconcistant ideling when coming down from a higher RPM. The more I look into the harness the more bare wire I am finding.
Strange but true..

kool man i will give this a try this comming weekend... im open to all sugestions... i to am nearing the breaking point and im about to break down and take it to ford which i dont wanna do... the harness in my car is very brittle as well and cracking some... well keep me posted weather these codes come back on or if u have any other ideas or what not... wish me luck lol

jason