Check Engine Light [MIL] Codes

[ironman86]

The check engine light came on in my truck a few weeks ago and I bought one of those OBD II scanner from ebay. I scanned the codes and this is what it said:

1. P0153 Generic, o2 sensor CKT slow response, (Bank 2, Sensor 1)

2. P0171 Generic, System Too Lean, (Bank 1)

3. P0174 Generic, System Too Lean, (Bank 2)

Can someone explain what these codes mean and what could be the problem with my truck? Also, what would I need to do to repair?

I erased the codes and drove the truck for a day or so and then the light came back on again. I figured it would, I just wanted to drive it to see how soon it would come on again.

Thanks ya'll

 

[benjurman]

could be dirty fuel filter or rail.... I would clean the MAS and change the fuel filter......

I could be WAY off but you gotta start somewhere. you may even consider running "sea foam" through it BEFORE you change the fuel filter...

I had a t-bird that did the same thing

 

[ironman86]

What are the chances of those error codes being from a leaking intake manifold gasket?

 

[Earl43P]

Very common cause.

I replaced the upper and lower intake seals in a 99 4.0 SOHC (Explorer). You could see every leak against the aluminum lower mating surface. Carbon trails didn't come off with a scraper, I had to lightly sand the surfaces. This one was sucking so loud at idle that I could press down on the intake and make the sucking noise vary (bouncing my body weight). The SOHC intake is differnt tho'.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171819

 

[ironman86]

Thank you very much for that link.

Sounds like an intake leak is my problem.

I have reset the code several times, but it comes back on after about 20 minutes of driving.

After resetting the other 3 codes from the first time, I keep getting this code:
P0153 Generic, o2 sensor CKT slow response, (Bank 2, Sensor 1).

I don't get the other two codes however, P0171 or P0174 anymore, just the P0513 slow response O2 sensor code. Does that mean anything as far as the problem?

 

[Earl43P]

Could mean a bad O2 sensor.

If it was me, I'd pull that O2 sensor and hit the tip with a torch and burn it clean. Then I'd reinstall it and see the result. Might get lucky.

Check fuse 13 under the hood (HEGO Heat), verify the LB/OG wire has power (Key @ Run) at each O2 sensor. That's all I got!

 

[ironman86]

i will have to give that a try. i will post back if i have anymore questions.

 

[ironman86]

A strange thing happened last night. It snowed here so I was driving my truck around in 4x4 high. Crusin about 30mph my check engine light just shuts off? Why would that happen? I never fixed the problem or even diagnosed exactly what is wrong with it. So strange...

 

[ironman86]

What is the best way to go about checking for vacuum leaks?

What is the best way to check the operation of the MAF sensor?

After clearing the codes a few weeks ago, the only code I keep getting now is code P0153. I have been told to check for vacuum leaks and to check the MAF sensor for problems.

I am thinking about replacing the O2 sensor and maybe that'll clear the problems.

Thanks