Check Engine Light

[RangerFella]

Hey guys...

The "Check Engine" light came on in my 1997 2.3L Ranger XLT (5-spd 2WD, King/Super Cab) as I was pulling away from a stoplight today. It's been raining really really hard for quite a while, if that has any bearing. I went to AutoZone and got the error code and the print out reads as follows:

"Definition:
Fuel trim bank one condition

Explanation:
The [PCM] uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air/fuel ratio of the engine. The computer has recognized a rich or lean condition on one engine bank only.

Probable Causes:
1.-If bank one and two codes set together suspect fuel pressure or MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor
2.-Oxygen sensor defective
3.-Ignition misfire-repair
4.-Fuel injector problem

The PCM has determined that during testing, the fuel system for bank 1 was too lean. (Bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank 2 identifies the cylinders on the opposite bank)"

That's all the information I've got. The truck only has 66k on it, and it's a one owner (before I got it) and it's been garaged. I don't know if that really matters but I figure the more background I can give on the truck, the better. I'm going to try the following things FIRST (in order):

-Disconnect neg battery lead
-Run GUMOUT FI/Valve cleaner through it the next time I fill up
-Replace the sparkplugs?
-Replace the sparkplug wires?
-Check/replace the distributor assy.?
-Start replacing other parts (Oxy Sensor, MAF)?

What I need to know is if I'm going about this the right way or if there's something I should know first. If anyone can give me any more information about this situation, like easy fixes or something, or anything else, I'd appreciate it.

RangerFella

 

[Simple_serf]

Get a book, and test both o2 sensors. I had this happen on mine, one sensor tested bad, the other was fine.

Don't just start replacing parts!

Gumout doesn't do crap.

Plugs and wires are probably due anyways, given the age, although if they have ever been done before, you are probably fine.

You don't have a distrubutor...I doubt the coil packs are bad...Mine have lasted for 193K miles.

 

[Ranger44]

Look for a vacuum leak or leak in the air intake tube, believe or not it'll cause a lean condition.

 

[CHRISTOPHE@CENTURYTEL.NET]

Mine comes on during wet or damp conditions also. I just pull over, shut off the truck, wait 10 seconds, restart. Light stays off. Nothing more irritating than the check engine lite as you are traveling down the road.

 

[shadetree]

Change the fuel filter, clean the MAF, and go from there. shady

 

[Ranger SVO]

Hey guys...
"Definition:
Fuel trim bank one condition

Explanation:
The [PCM] uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air/fuel ratio of the engine. The computer has recognized a rich or lean condition on one engine bank only.

Probable Causes:
1.-If bank one and two codes set together suspect fuel pressure or MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor
2.-Oxygen sensor defective
3.-Ignition misfire-repair
4.-Fuel injector problem

The PCM has determined that during testing, the fuel system for bank 1 was too lean. (Bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank 2 identifies the cylinders on the opposite bank)"

RangerFella

If you want to know whats going on and understand "fuel trim" please check out the post #19. I learned alot from this person
http://www.caraudiotalk.com/audio-forum/car-repair/6050-iac-problem-2.html

 

[RangerFella]

I know this is an old thread but I forgot I never replied to it.

The problem turned out to be the plugs and wires. They were originals and pretty much disintegrated in my hands when I took them out. I took them out, put NGK plugs in along with Duralast plug wires (all 8, although I waited a while on the last one on the right side, since it was a royal bitch to deal with).

I ran it for a while to see if the C.E. light would go off by itself but it didn't so I didn't worry about it but then I, without meaning to, reset the whole system when I disconnected the battery, and now the light has stayed off.


Thanks you guys.