2000 Ford Escort System Codes

QUINCY ARCHER

MEMBER
2000 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
143,000 MILES

I took my car to be inspected today. It failed the inspection and the report I received indicated fault codes P0171: System Too Lean (Bank1) and P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. The person who inspected the car says that he is unable to tell exactly what I need to do to get my car to pass inspection and for $75 he can do a diagnostic. I am wary to pay this charge and I figured the code would point to why the car failed. I don't want to be ripped off. Any suggestions as to my next move would be appreciated.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

P0300 normally points to vacuum leaks and bad fuel.

P0171

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)