p0171 is back

Hey guys im new here.

I ahve a problem with my windstar orriginally it had thrown the 171 and 174 lean codes and i traced it to the intake manifold bolts seals etc. i replaced all the bolts and seals but did not replace the valve conver as i was told its not necessary. after the repairs i drove around for about 700 miles and the light stayed off. the other day going up kirker pass to school the light came on and i jsut pulled the codes adn they are p1450 and p0171 i have already replaced the gas cap so i dont think thats my problem with 1450 but 0171 is the back engine bank reading lean. anybody know what could eb going on. im selling the car and this jsut came up and i need to get it fixed before i can smog it.
please any help would be appreciated.
thanks,
tom

You don't need the revised valve cover.

I'm gonna guess you did not hook up the small diameter hose that connects to the throttle body area and feeds the EVAP system. My Winnie isn't here right now for me to take a little look so that I can be more exact in my description.

little help please?

anyone with pics maybe
could this be an 02 sensor and could the two codes be related?

Almost certain that it is not a problem with an oxygen sensor.
The sensor is reporting a condition that is actually there, which is too much air in the rear bank.
As mentioned, the problem being reported might be related to the fuel tank not being able to bleed up the fuel tank vaccum.
That is why 12ounce mentioned to check the vaccum lines on the back side of the upper intake manifold.....and I would add to follow them as much as you can.....to make sure that they are connected.
Some of the vaccum lines come off the upper intake manifold, and then branch out to several places.

alright guys,

i cleared the codes on my van and unplugged the solenoid on top of the evap can. i started the car up and let it run for a while. i pulled the code again and this time there was no lean code but it showed p1451 instead of 1450 which sounds liek the same thing. i plugged the sensor back in and now it is still 1451 i checked all the lines and couldnt find anything loose, i cleaned the solenoid valve and squirted a little wd40 inside it i think it might be stuck or bad. is there a way to tell?
what do you guys think, i need some help i have to smog the car soon.

thanks,
tom

anyone.

I am out of guesses, but then I have an older windstar.
I am guessing that you made sure that everything along the vaccum lines for the evap. system are intact.

I have not seen any posts about the evaporative canister going bad....but that does not mean that it cannot.

From what you are saying.....it does sound like you are on the correct path, but then there is also the possiblility that there is another vaccum leak that is involved also.....that removing the evap. vaccum line causes the leakage to drop just low enough to get by......but I would still stick with the evap. issue.

There is a little cap on the back part of the solenoid, by where the vaccum line connects.
I have read that there is a small felt filter inside that cap, that can become clogged, causing the solenoid to malfunction.
The post that I read indicated that the problem was solved by cleaning the felt filter.....
I do not have personal experience with that.

Worst case, you could buy a new solenoid, but make sure that you include your VIN to make sure that you get the correct one....sometimes things were changed mid-year, and the VIN will enable them to make sure that you get the correct part.
I DO have experience with that.

Hi
Here is a discussion I found on the P1450 code: It discusses an older vehicle but I think the general idea is applicable.

http://autorepair.about.com/library/illustrations/bl068a-lib.htm

As to testing the solenoid: first, you should have 12V at the solenoid with the key in the run position. My manual then states that the solenoid opens with the engine running allowing fuel vapor from the evap system into the engine. So if you have a vacuum pump, you could try to pull vacuum on the intake manifold side with power on/off to see if the valve opens/closes. Based on the information in the link, it would seem the solenoid is operating, as the code indicates excessive fuel tank vacuum.
Hope the information is helpful.

thanks guys i think i fixed it.

i jsut unplugged the solenoid greased the oring on the outside a bit and sprayed some wd40 in it and rana bit of air through.

no codes now and the car passed smog today.

thanks alot guys.

tom

Nope. Clean injector #1. If that doesn't fix it move it to the other bank and a different cylinder. If the code moves then replace the fuel injector. about 90 bucks at NAPA. Do not go to FORD for the injector. There computer narrows their search down to points and most people don't have that info! Oh. If you go thru the trouble to clean 1 injector clean them all. Clean the EGR ports out too!