CEL Codes read- Making sure i am ok to still drive

MAC21XL · #1 08-13-2011, 09:57 AM

I recently had the engine light come on on me (yesterday) and had the codes checked at autozone today and heres what they came up with-

Definition:

Fuel trim bank one condition explanation

the powertrain control module uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air / fuel ration of the engine. the computer has recognized a rich or lean condition on the engine bank only.

Probable cause:
1. If bank one and two codes set together suspect fuel pressure or MAF sensor
2. Oxygen sensor defective
3. Ignition misfire/repair
4. Fuel injector problem

The clerk at autozone said it was probably the MAF needing to be cleaned out as there was probably gunk in there. She said i was ok to continue driving it and to either clean it myself of get it cleaned by my mechanic. Just wanted to ask you guys on the forum first before i continue driving as my mechanic is closed until monday. What do ya think??? Thanks!

nicksranger01 · #2 08-13-2011, 10:00 AM

Dude clean it, it take like 5mins other wise unless the truck has changed how it runs then your fine

2000ranger302 · #3 08-13-2011, 10:15 AM

They sell MAF sensor cleaner at autozone I would clean it if I was you and if it stays on, its probably an o2 sensor

MAC21XL · #4 08-13-2011, 11:30 AM

Thanks. Will do the cleaning this afternoon and then see if the light goes off

FireRanger · #5 08-13-2011, 12:19 PM

That code explanation is useless. It doesn't say whether it is a lean or rich condition. Impossible to diagnose and recommend a course of action based on that partial description. What was the code.

MAC21XL · #6 08-13-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireranger

that code explanation is useless. It doesn't say whether it is a lean or rich condition. Impossible to diagnose and recommend a course of action based on that partial description. What was the code.

p0171

FireRanger · #7 08-13-2011, 02:50 PM

Thats more like it. That's too lean bank 1. Sure sign of a vacuum leak. Nothing to do with the MAF. You'll probably find a broken or cracked vacuum line or fitting somewhere around the back of the top rear of the engine. And yes, it is perfectly safe to drive.

MAC21XL · #8 08-13-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

Thats more like it. That's too lean bank 1. Sure sign of a vacuum leak. Nothing to do with the MAF. You'll probably find a broken or cracked vacuum line or fitting somewhere around the back of the top rear of the engine. And yes, it is perfectly safe to drive.

Thank you sir. Cleaned MAF anyways as i figured it couldnt hurt and the light is off now. If it is a vaccum leak as you suspect, how can i go about checking the hoses and lines?

FireRanger · #9 08-13-2011, 07:16 PM

The usual trick is spraying ether around the hoses. When you spray the leak, RPM will increase. An MAF issue would generally cause both banks to run lean, not just the one.

TheStig · #10 08-13-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

The usual trick is spraying ether around the hoses. When you spray the leak, RPM will increase. An MAF issue would generally cause both banks to run lean, not just the one.

its an INLINE 4CYL......it only has 1 bank

FireRanger · #11 08-13-2011, 09:27 PM

ha. good point.

MAC21XL · #12 08-13-2011, 09:31 PM

I'm pretty new to all of this and this info is really helping me understand my engine. disconnecting the battery when i cleaned the MAF seemed to turn the check light off and when i ran it for a while after it hasnt come back on so hopefully everything is good for now. Ill try looking for a vaccum leak just as a precaution.

FireRanger · #13 08-14-2011, 05:30 AM

Well disconnecting the battery is why the light is off. It will take some time for the fuel trim to get pissed off again and trip the light. If it doesn't come back on after a day or two of driving around, you're probably good.