New guy needs advice

[Tumblindyce]

Hi, I just registered here. I've browsed the site for years and think it's one of the better truck sites on the web. I'm hoping someone can help me out: I have a 200 Ranger Trailhead with the 3.0 and auto trans. I love the truck. It has about 140,000 and, up until last week, ran great--the only thing I've ever had to do besides brakes was to replace the oil pan gasket once. The problem now is that the check engine has come on. I took it to Autozone and had them read the OBD. It said that the system is running too lean (believe it was code 140, 141--I can check on that). The truck has always idled smooth, but now it's just a little rough and then it stumbles when I give it gas. I haven't driven it since the light came on.

I have another vehicle to drive so I thought I'd try to do what I can myself and possibly avoid taking it to the shop. I'm a novice mechanic but I have tools and can follow directions. My first thought is possibly dirty fuel injectors? Should I get some cleaner that you dump in the gas tank--does that stuff work very well? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[dancron]

Yeah probably just a gunked up fuel system, it does have 140k on it. people forget to change the fuel filter all the time, could be it. Also you injectors could be dirty. So your idea is good, use some fuel additive and if it doesnt get better change your fuel filter, they are only like 10 - 20 bucks from autozoo.

 

[modelageek]

Hi, I just registered here. I've browsed the site for years and think it's one of the better truck sites on the web. I'm hoping someone can help me out: I have a 200 Ranger Trailhead with the 3.0 and auto trans. I love the truck. It has about 140,000 and, up until last week, ran great--the only thing I've ever had to do besides brakes was to replace the oil pan gasket once. The problem now is that the check engine has come on. I took it to Autozone and had them read the OBD. It said that the system is running too lean (believe it was code 140, 141--I can check on that). The truck has always idled smooth, but now it's just a little rough and then it stumbles when I give it gas. I haven't driven it since the light came on.

I have another vehicle to drive so I thought I'd try to do what I can myself and possibly avoid taking it to the shop. I'm a novice mechanic but I have tools and can follow directions. My first thought is possibly dirty fuel injectors? Should I get some cleaner that you dump in the gas tank--does that stuff work very well? Thanks in advance for any help.

You need the exact codes........we need to know if it is running lean on both heads or just one......lean codes are p0171, p0174......and as was just posted I would change the fuel filter.........you also should bring the maintenance up to schedule....new= fuel filter.airfilter, pcv claen =TB, IACV, maf, etc............check vacuuum lines....make sure air intake is clear.......add a large bottle of Techron to the tank after you swap out the fuel filter

 

[Earl43P]

That year 3.0 (may be the flex fuel) has an elbow as part of the PCV tubing.

They tend to rot and leak, which is a vacuum leak.

Look for that coming out of the valve cover area. Ford will try to sell you the entire tube assembly, but you can get the elbow at the auto parts store, usually in the HELP section.

That would be my best guess. You should also verify that the intake tube is secure and that the IAT and EGR tubes that are part of the intake tube are properly seated and sealed. Either of those could cause the same lean condition.


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