Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Engine & Idle Problems

The following is from the Ford TSP:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0171 bank (1) (cylinder #1) and DTC P0174 bank (2) indicate the fuel/air ratio is too lean. The fuel adaptive system is at the rich correction limit.

DTC P0172 bank (1) and DTC P0175 bank (2) indicate the fuel/air ratio is too rich. The fuel adaptive syste is at the lean correction limit.

DTCs HO2S Reference list:
-- HO2S-11 = DTCs P0171 and P0172
-- HO2S-21 = DTCs P0174 and P0175

Possible causes:

Fuel system
-- Excessive fuel pressure.
-- Leaking fuel injector(s).
-- Leaking fuel pressure regulator.
-- Low fuel pressure.
-- Contaminated injector(s)

Induction system
-- Air leaks after the MAF.
-- Vacuum leaks.
-- Restricted air inlet.
-- PCV system.
-- Fuel purge system.
-- Improperly seated dip stick.

EGR
-- leaking gasket.
-- Stuck open EGR valve.
-- Leaking diaphragm.

Base engine
-- Oil overfill.
-- Cam timing.
-- Cylinder compression.
-- Exhaust leaks before or near the HO2S's.

* Check air intake for leaks, obstructions and damage.
* Check air filter, air filter housing for blockage.
* Verify integrity of the PCV system.
* Check for vacuum leaks.


Two things from the list come to mind:
- You might have a possible vacuum leak somewhere. Start the engine and listen for a hissing sound. Also look for hoses that have imploded on themselves (while the engine is running) and check all hose connections.
- You didn't replace the PCV valve correctly. Did you use a Ford PCV valve replacement?