99 WINDSTAR CODE 171 & 174 LEAN FIX

Just Got Done Fixing A Code 171 & 174 Running Lean Both
Banks.followed All Information Given On This Site.van
Runs Great Now Code Has Not Come Back.

Thanks To Everyone Who Helped
Cost Me $150 Parts Dealer Cost $650

Gitzy

Thanks for the feedback Gitzy. The 500 beans looks better in your pocket than in Ford's. Not to mention the satisfaction you no doubt got form doing the work yourself.

Just Got Done Fixing A Code 171 & 174 Running Lean Both
Banks.followed All Information Given On This Site.van
Runs Great Now Code Has Not Come Back.

Thanks To Everyone Who Helped
Cost Me $150 Parts Dealer Cost $650

Gitzy
I have a similar problem.What was the fix?

Pryornfld

Do a search Pryornfld. The 171/174 is probably the single most common item asked about in this forum and appears in this forum almost weekly.

Try searching under:
Isolator bolts
171/174
Lean codes
TSB 3-16-01

In fact someone about 2 weeks ago posted step by step instructions

Do a search Pryornfld. The 171/174 is probably the single most common item asked about in this forum and appears in this forum almost weekly.

Try searching under:
Isolator bolts
171/174
Lean codes
TSB 3-16-01

In fact someone about 2 weeks ago posted step by step instructions
I tries several of the posts, change the plugs/wires, fuel filter, checked for vacuum leaks, the IAC, battery but still no success. Its pointing to the O2 sensors , but I only had them replaced about 2 years ago, therefore I don't think that this is the problem. I suspect that the EGR valve may need to be replaced or cleaned. Not a mechanic so I'm not sure. As far as the isloator bolts, I was told that it really only applied to 99 and newer models.

Sorry Pryronfld......... you are correct the Isolator bolt troubles are for 99 and up. I assumed that the starter of this thread had the common problem for intake and he did mention that it was a 99.

What year is your Windstar? Just remember that a lean condition will occur when air gets into the intake that the PCM does not "know" about. This can happen when the MAF does not report accurate information or there are vacuum leaks or even the O2 sensors are reporting incorrect information. A lean condition can also be the result of low fuel pressure. Have you performed all of the regular maintenance items first? (Ie fuel filter).

Good luck

Sorry Pryronfld......... you are correct the Isolator bolt troubles are for 99 and up. I assumed that the starter of this thread had the common problem for intake and he did mention that it was a 99.

What year is your Windstar? Just remember that a lean condition will occur when air gets into the intake that the PCM does not "know" about. This can happen when the MAF does not report accurate information or there are vacuum leaks or even the O2 sensors are reporting incorrect information. A lean condition can also be the result of low fuel pressure. Have you performed all of the regular maintenance items first? (Ie fuel filter).

Good luck
My van is a 96 GL and I just recently put a new fuel filter on(2 weeks ago) and plugs/wires. The mechanic said that it points to the O2 sensors and that sometimes that during a misfire, it can foul them up.He also mentioned that he found that sometimes they can be saved by simply placing them in some coke/pepsi for about an hour, then letting them dry.Not sure if they can be saved. Any thoughts??

Do you rememebr your CEL flashing at one time or another. My understanding is that if you are experiencing a misfire your CEL will flash.

Your O2 sensors could be faulty but I think they are blamed way too often. I have heard about people cleaning them but I don't know if they used cola.

Do you have a Chilton's or Haynes. They may have a section for testing them. I seem to remember someone explaining how they tested them with a torch. Maybe search in all forums under 02 testing.

Post any findings and we will try and help.

You may want to start a thread entitled "96 Lean /not Isolator bolts" or something and explain your observations. Perhaps someone with a better answer will notice it.

I will let you know if I find an o2 sensor test somewhere.

Guys I just completed the TSB for this matter and would like to thank you folks for sharing information. I am going to find out who wrote the procedure that shows pictures and everything. This guy has a web page but I just don't remember. I took pictures of everything myself and if you would like to see them let me know.



Do you rememebr your CEL flashing at one time or another. My understanding is that if you are experiencing a misfire your CEL will flash.

Your O2 sensors could be faulty but I think they are blamed way too often. I have heard about people cleaning them but I don't know if they used cola.

Do you have a Chilton's or Haynes. They may have a section for testing them. I seem to remember someone explaining how they tested them with a torch. Maybe search in all forums under 02 testing.

Post any findings and we will try and help.

You may want to start a thread entitled "96 Lean /not Isolator bolts" or something and explain your observations. Perhaps someone with a better answer will notice it.

I will let you know if I find an o2 sensor test somewhere.

Maybe this site?

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

This site is for CODE 171 & 174 problem on Windstars 99+. I have a 95 and the same problem. Also the idling speed goes upn down if I stop e.g. on a stop light. I know this is an air problem. The engine is not getting the same air asmeasured from the sensors. This could be a defective sensor or an air leak. But where could this air leak be? I cant find anything - how can I check this?

SebringYves
The earlier Windstars used a lot of vacuum for various controllers ... much more than, say, '99 on. I would suggest finding the hose (from the intake manifold?) that supplies all this vacuum. I would expect it first goes to a vacuum manifold mounted on the firewall. Disconnect, plug this hose at the intake. See if this makes engine idle better.
You may cause more codes during this test, but they will go away with time.

Try spraying some carb cleaner around the engine area. If there's a leak, the carb cleaner will be sucked in and the engine will speed up...

check preasure on the fuel line, maybe pump is weak and low preasure
could cause problems

The fuel pump is brand new, the fuel filter is new and the fuel injectors are cleaned.
Have to be an air problem