2002 Ranger - 2 problems

[ricka]

2002 Ranger Edge 4wd 5.0 manual

This truck has had a cel since I got it a year ago and I finally am trying to get it to clear. I initially looked at it and found the wiring to the o2 sensor on the right side (front) had some wiring modifications done. ie splice connectors & duct tape tags. So I got the wiring diagram out today and got further confused. Only 1 of the three sensors has the correct color wires going to it according to the diagram. I did determine that the sensor with the splice connectors was incorrect as the 12v wire for the heater was not on the same pin as the sensor on the left side (they are the same and the one on the left was the only on with the correct color wires. I rewired the one on the right, cleared the cel and will wait to see if it returns. The other issue is that about a month ago, after running it for a bit you get a fairly good smell of gas when you get out. Pretty strong on the sides. Nothing leaking anywhere. Seems like a vent of some type. It runs fine - the only issue is that when cold it may stumble a bit until the fast idle kicks in and to do that requires a push on the accelerator. Ideas? Just got laid off so I have time to tinker.......

 

[adsm08]

Get codes. Codes can tell us in seconds things that hours of inspection can't.

 

[ricka]

It's been throwing a P1131

 

[snake]

Check for a vacuum leak- the PCV system is notorious for this. The rubber elbows suck closed and then a hole develops.

 

[disciplerocks]

P1131 is your front O2 sensor.

 

[adsm08]

Check for a vacuum leak- the PCV system is notorious for this. The rubber elbows suck closed and then a hole develops.

Yeah, but that causes a 0171, or 0173 (or both). I just got done with a Focus that was doing exactly that. 1131 is an O2 sensor code.

P1131 is your front O2 sensor.

Disciple is right. It's probably being thrown by the sensor that has the messed up wires. It will probably be easier and less frustrating to just go buy a direct fit sensor. They aren't the most expensive thing in the world. Certainly cheaper than the converter that it will ruin if not fixed properly.

 

[ricka]

Thanks guys for the responses. The messed up sensor - rt side front - no longer has a connector or I would have already done a replacement. The wires are spliced with crimped spade lugs between the engine and the firewall. Difficult at best to access but doable. To complicate matters the wire colors are orange, blue/gray, blue/orange and red(maybe orange)/white. Doesn't jive with the diagram at all.