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1996 Ford Contour fuel too lean

Tiny
JONNYNYC1975
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I keep getting a trouble code of po171 which reads as system too lean. I have replaced the o2 sensor and cleaned the mass air flow sensor and ran sea foam through the fuel system along with octain booster and dry gas to absorb moisture. The car had sat for a year without a gas cap and only a plastic bag to keep the tank clean. I have 2 days left to get the car through emissions and need to get it fixed asap. Do you have any suggestions as to what my next steps should be to correct this problem. Thanks
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Sunday, July 26th, 2009 AT 12:35 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
1996 Ford Contour fuel too lean

A lean fuel condition can be caused by:

* Low fuel pressure due to a weak pump or leaky fuel pressure regulator. (Use a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure at idle)

* Dirty fuel injectors. (Try cleaning the injectors)

* Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, vacuum hose connections or throttle body. (Use a vacuum gauge to check for low intake vacuum)

* Leaky EGR valve. (Check operation of EGR valve)

* Leaky PCV Valve or hose. (Check valve and hose connections)

* Dirty or defective Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). (Try cleaning the MAF sensor wires or filament with aerosol electronics cleaner. Do NOT use anything else to clean the sensor, and do not touch the sensor wires)
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Sunday, July 26th, 2009 AT 4:55 PM

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