MAF sensor concerns!

[jepps27]

Hey, new to the whole forums thing but was refered to this site for help with my 97 ranger. Seems like there is a lot of great info here.

So my truck has the codes p1443, p0171 and p0174 showing up from the CEL. I've been doing some research and think the p1443 can be fixed with either a new purge flow sensor and/or purge flow canister. Any other ideas of what it could be?

As far as the 171 and 174 most people have said it is usually the MAF sensor. I heard there was a test you can do by unplugging the unit. My truck had a very rough idle and at times seemed it wanted to die. Also driving at low speeds the truck was not running smoothly. I read up on cleaning the maf sensor and attempted to do so. After finding the unit inside the tube next to the air filter I removed the MAF and unplugged the electrical connection. Unfortunately like an idiot I dropped the whole assembly and broke a small plastic piece bolted to the MAF(the least of my worries, I think).

Due to the frustration caused by the incident I didn't attempt to pull the sensor out and clean it. Also of fear that I already damaged it with the fall. Needless to say I plugged the electrical connection back in and buttoned everything back up. I started the truck up and drove around a little. The symptoms were now gone but obviously the CEL was still on.

Not sure what to make of all of this, so I'm asking for some help.

Thanks so much for your time!

 

[KELLY88]

I had the P1443 last year. New purge flow solenoid fixed it. For the 171 and 174 codes what are the details exactly?

 

[jepps27]

system too lean bank one and two

 

[KELLY88]

Lean banks on both sides plus a problem with the EECS would sound like it points to a vacuum leak to me. Check all your hoses for obvious cracks as well as the charcoal canister and if you don't see anything blatant then spray the vacuum lines with a spray bottle of water or carb cleaner. If the idle changes (bogs down with water or speeds up with carb cleaner) then you've found a vacuum leak. That would be a good place to start as it doesn't involve blindly buying parts in the hope that one of them will fix the problem.

 

[jepps27]

I hear you on the buying parts thing. Thats that last thing I want to do.

What about my MAF? I checked the filliments after the fall and they seemed to be intact. Why are the symptoms gone all the sudden?

 

[KELLY88]

Only thing I can think of is that maybe you had a loose connection at the MAF. When you unplugged it then plugged it back in you got a good connection. Just a random guess but it would make some sense.

 

[jepps27]

good thinking and very possible. I'm gonna have the codes pulled as soon as I can to see where I'm at. Meantime I'll check for vacuum leaks as well. Thanks kelly88!

 

[flagport]

As you proceed with your troubleshooting, check the link below for a good resource on sensors, computers, testing and troubleshooting.

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=1

 

[jepps27]

thanks for the link flagport.

So here is where I am at. I wasn't able to get the codes pulled becuase the don't do it after dark where I'm from. The symptoms have returned. The rough idle, almost to the point it wants to die, and the surging at low speeds (5-15 mph). I attempted to find a vacuum leak but had no luck.

When unplugging the MAF sensor nothing changes.

Something else I noticed was a little white smoke coming from the exhaust when Idling. My coolant level drops quite fast as well.

Are these problems related? Do I have bigger problems than I realize? I've read a little about possible cracked head gasket. My oil doesn't seem to be milkey at all though.

HELP!

 

[Ranger44]

Just off the top of my head....Lower intake gasket?

That could explain both coolant loss and a lean condition.

 

[jepps27]

would there be any visible indicators that would help confirm this idea?

 

[jmg8550]

I just had that problem. p0171 and p0174 kept showing up and the mysterious coolant loss. no smoke though until it was way too late. cracked both heads. these 4.0L engines are prone to cracking. And no coolant in oil until it was too late also. but it might be your lower intake gaskets.