Engine running lean?

Tiny
KSIMONE37
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
My check engine light came on recently and when I had the output codes done it read that both banks were running lean. Could this be a spark plug problem? I just bought this car. It has a fairly new transmission but I can't tell if some of the engine performance issues such as acceleration or shifting are due to the transmission or some kind of fuel system thing. Any help would be appreciated. I will replace the spark plugs regardless because of the mileage, but would like to know if you could help.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 11:45 AM

40 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
There is a know problem with the O ring seal on the intake manifold tuning valve, it leaks and causes the lean codes P0171-P0174.

This guide can help fix it as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/repair-lean-mixture-codes-p0171-or-p0174-on-some-manufacturers

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
DDTAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
2002 Ford Taurus 103000 miles

im having the same issue. This started with my car stalling while sitting idol. We replaced both heads, wires and such. Now getting Lean Bank, and a missfire on #5. Im thinking these issues may be caused by the extreme vacuum in the engine. When we pull off the new PCV valve or Oil cap the engine stalls.

The gasket on the intake also has slipped, and getting a very high piched scream from there at idol.

Im weak when it comes to cars, and my mecanic has replaced many things. He gave me my car back totally confused, and not sure whatelse to do.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DDTAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. Ill pull it into the garage and inspect the duct work tonight.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TAURUSWHEEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 718 POSTS
That's a definite problem with newer cars, a lot of mechanics, good ones too, are not necessarily trained in diagnosing and repairing newer vehicles, mostly pertaining to areas of electronics, computers and such. It's a very large cost to buy and maintain these diagnostic machines plus the continued training on all types of vehicles. This is not a knock on any mechanic. Most are very good at the mechanical ends of vehicles. There have been problems with pcv valves and related hoses causing lean conditions. Hoses develop pinhole leaks.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MEL92767
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,345 MILES
I ran a diagnostic test and got these codes P0171 mod$10 system too lean (bank 1) & p0174 mod$10 system too lean (bank 2).

What do they reallly mean? I am not mechanicaly inclined at all. Is this an easy fix? Is is expensive?
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
P0171/P0174 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)

* TIP: On many Fords, a P0171 and/or P0174 Lean Code may sometimes appear because of a bad Differential Pressure Sensor (DPFE). This sensor monitors EGR flow, and is located on the engine near the EGR valve. There are two hoses that connect the sensor to the tube that runs from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. The sensor misreads EGR flow and the computer increases EGR which has a leaning effect on the fuel mixture. The fix is to replace the DPFE sensor
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BACKYARD 2
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
Im getting the codes p0171 and p0174 which are lean bank 1 and lean bank 2 can u help. :
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
INDYUKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 416 POSTS
That means that both banks of cylinders are running lean. Too little fuel for the amount of air being used.
1) you might have several plugged or partially plugged fuel injectors
2) your fuel pressure might be weak
3) i've seen the same check engine code in vehicles that have wide open cold air intakes that use a MAF (mass air flow) sensor housings that are not stock. It screws around with the computer's calibration.
I hope this helps some.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BACKYARD 2
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks I'll check some things out.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JTHORUSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus with 68,000 miles on it's 3.0 DOHC motor and about a month ago it started to get hard to start. Since then it has begun to rev to about 2,000 rpm when first started then idles badly between 500 and 800 rpm. It sputters and lurches when in drive with the brake pushed to the floor. It only does this when it is cold outside or if the motor it cold. The check engine light only recently came on and the code says banks 1 & 2 running lean. I have replaced all spark plugs, the mass air flow sensor and I am about ready to give up. I don't have a ton of money to get a diagnostics test done as my wife is due any day with our first child and I am working two jobs. Please help me figure this out.

I just got back from having the check engine light read again, here are the results: TPS/Pedal position sensor, switch "A" circuit low input (P0122), System too lean bank 1 (P0171), System too lean bank 2 (P0174), Cylinder 3 misfire detected (P0303) Hopefully this might help someone with more experience than me.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/102227_DSCN0391_1.jpg

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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
You have vacuum leak most likely the intake manifold gasket
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CBOURGOIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the exact same problem, replaced the coolant temp sensors. Same codes, same problems. Did this intake gasket fix it?
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
VJMAX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 01 Ford Taurus with a new engine. After 4000 miles it blew both heads with no warning signs like over heating. This is the same problem I had before I had the engine replaced. I keep getting codes of 305 and 306 and I was told that I am running to lean. I have replaced all plugs, wires, coil packs and parts for the egr. The catalytic converters have been cleaned. The only things that haven't been replaced are the fuel injectors and the fuel pump.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check compression and injector pulse
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHARDSON5
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD TAURUS
My 2000 Ford Taurus (185,000 miles, 3.0L DOHC) is throwing codes showing both banks running lean & Oxygen Sensors unable to switch - too lean. It also has a poor idle/miss which is most noticeable below 1000 rpm. I can rarely detect it above 1000 rpm. Once it has warmed up to operating temperature it improves, but doesn't completely go away. It is really bad when the outside temperature is 25 degrees or below.

I have replaced the spark plugs, intake plenum gasket, oxygen sensors, fuel filter, idle air control sensor/valve, and mass air flow sensor. I have attempted to detect a vacuum leak by spraying different points while the engine is running. I haven't detected any leaks.

What do I check now? I have taken it to a number of shops - a couple of who has made less intelligent "guessing" than I have.

Thanks for any help given!

Richardson5
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TAURUSWHEEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 718 POSTS
Post the code or codes here, someone will have ideas. Some of the lean or rich codes require extensive testing, ocassionally, to find the cause. Always start with the simple things, hoses, connections, make sure everything is in it's place. Those pieces you've replaced, were they faulty or you just did it hoping to solve your problem? I don't like to see people wasting $$$$ on parts not bad. Sometimes after doing the easy checks, it costs less to have it diagnosed, unless your local shops are well-versed and well-equipped, as you've apparently sampled a couple who were not, the dealer may be your best bet. Same thing I've been posting forever.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
VJMAX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, is there any chance it might be out of time? If it is how would I check the timing?
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Not likely or will effect all cylinders
pluse cam and or crank sensor related codes
you can check using scanner if timing in SYNC
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE MEYER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

What does lean fault bank 1 & 2 mean
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KLSHIEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 163 POSTS
It means that the O2 sensors are telling the computer that the engine is not getting enough fuel. Either this is tru, or both sensors are bad. Start with a tune up and go from there.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 10:15 AM (Merged)

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