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My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Blessedpilot
Novice
Feb 5, 2009, 2:43 PM
Post #1 of 13
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My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Hi! This is my first post here so be gentle!!!
I have a 1997 Lincoln Town Car that I tried to get inspected but it failed due to the "check eng light" being on  . The codes I was given were P0174 (syst too lean bank 2) and P0171 (syst too lean bank 1).
The inspector reset the check eng light and all codes were erased. He said to drive it for 60 miles or so and see if the light comes back on. He said if it does, it might need a new fuel filter or it might need to have the fuel syst serviced. I've driven it about 40 mi so far and the check eng light has not illuminated. I even stopped my Autozone to see if any codes would show on their tester. None did.
My question is, if the light does not re-illuminate in another 20 or 30 miles, should I take it back up to them and tell them the light did not come back on and to reinspect it? Or, should I take it somewhere else (before the light comes back on) and not even mention that it failed before to see if it will pass this time? I guess maybe if I took it somewhere else and perhaps it showed up in the computer somehow that it failed somewhere else, I could tell them that I took care of the problem myself. Right?
Thanks from Texas!!
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2009, 3:20 PM
Post #2 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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In WA, as long as the readiness monitors have completed, and no codes stored, it should pass. WA will allow one readiness monitor to be incomplete, and the EVAP is usually the last one to complete. Not sure about your state.
And, yes, a plugged fuel filter can cause a lean condition; There are also, other reasons. If the CEL comes back on, you really should address the problem. Running too lean is not a good thing.
Loren
SW Washington
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way2old
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/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2009, 3:55 PM
Post #3 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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See if you can get someone to test your fuel pressure. If pressure is low (plugged filter--weak pump) it can give those codes. Also the MAF could cause those codes. A vacuum leak that affects both sides can also be the cause. Good luck.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Blessedpilot
Novice
Feb 5, 2009, 8:34 PM
Post #4 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Thanks for the suggestions. Where would be the best place to take it to test the fuel pressure? Just a local mechanic or can most oil change places do that sort of thing? Is there an easy way to do it myself?
Thanks again
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2009, 10:37 PM
Post #5 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Hi!
Are you apt to do the work on this car at all? You can buy a tester at that AutoZone you went to if you want to test it yourself but are you up to the repair anyway if a fuel pump is the problem? Even for a filter?
I suggest having a local shop or tech check the pressure for you. Chances are the quick lube places won't do this service but no harm in asking.
More: Do you have a "grace" period to legally drive this car to even see if the service light will come back on? It might not and you may be all set for inspection shortly. I'd still plan on routine service like a new fuel filter and all the other maint items.
Here in Massachusetts inpections are done AFTER you register the car and pay a fortune in fees - THEN you can go try for a "sticker" within 7 days grace from purchase. Ok- if your car doesn't communicate with the "People's Republic of Mass" registry of motor vehicles that all is well with emissions (mod yrs 1996 and newer) then you have 30 days for a free retest. No waiver for safety items - technically you aren't to drive the car at all till fixed!
Here's the tester AutoZone shows if you wanted to check your own......
Actron / 0-100 PSI Fuel Pressure Tester Kit with Ford Fuel Line Adapter    About this product: Part Number: CP7818 Weight: 1.0 lbs.  Pricing: $39.99  Availability: Store: Normally stocked at your local store.
**********
Let us know what your are apt to fix yourself or not,
T
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Blessedpilot
Novice
Feb 6, 2009, 7:47 AM
Post #6 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Hi and thanks again for the info. I dont mind getting dirty and doing the work myself. However, I dont have very much automotive knowledge but am very willing to learn. I am pretty cheap and rather than paying some oil change place $79.99 or something ridiculous like that just to check my fuel pressure, I would much rather get a little dirty and pay $40 for a pressure tester and do it myself. If the pressure is low, I have know problem getting dirty and replacing the fuel filter myself. Then again, I dont know how to use the tester or even how to locate the fuel filter, pump, etc...
Also, I ran the car by a garage that they state "specializes in emission repairs" and he told me with those codes he would need to hook it up to their machine and see what exactly is going on in there. This fee: $125 + tax! OUCH! That doesnt fix the problem or anything!!! They can charge that just to "hook it up" to their machine! Wow, I am in the wrong profession! Sorry, I am pretty cheap and would rather do the work myself and use their "machine" as a last resort. I dont mind getting dirty at all. I would rather get dirty and stock up on new tools in the garage doing the work myself than pay that for "hooking it up" to that machine!
I wish I had more knowledge in these things but I've never had anyone show me how.
I once had a '76 chevy pickup though and was able to do the oil changes myself. I was very proud of being able to do that. I even replaced the starter on it and performed a tune up! But that was many years ago and on a much less computerized, less sophisticated machine!
As far as a grace period goes in TX, I dont think I am supposed to drive it with an out of date sticker. (I have driven the vehicle about 50 miles since inspection and the light still has not come back on!) It stinks that inspection places still charge you even if your vehicle fails. So I had to pay the $40 even though I got no sticker out of the deal. However, the receipt stated that if repairs are made and the vehicle is returned for reinspection w/in 15 days, that they would reinspect the car at no additional charge. Therefore, I am anxious to get the vehicle up there and reinspected w/in this 15 day period.
So, hypothetically speaking, if I buy the pressure tester and test the fuel press myself, (and pressure is normal), then can I safely assume that all is ok and take it back up for reinspection? Then, lets say I test it myself and pressure is low. What would be my next step? Replace fuel filter and retest? Still low, replace fuel pump? What about this MAF thing that was mentioned earlier? I know nothing about that thing.
Sorry its such a long post but anymore advice is greatly appreciated,
Blessedpilot
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 6, 2009, 8:24 AM
Post #7 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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blessedpilot/TEX :
Just know you can go broke buying tools for one time use and although this biz is costly to consumers you'd freak at the cost to just be able to do it! Mega thousands in tools equipment, - training, fees, permits, hazmat control and disposal, taxes - things that cost whether a customer comes by or not! Ya - there's decent $ if you work hard and treat folks well - you go home dirty, smell like an exhaust pipe, cuts, burns - keep going. Man - if you aren't a masochist it's not for you! Then you get the pissed off customers who think you are just out to get them! Arggh!
Ok: Go get your tester and go get your free retrial while the check/service engine light is off. Leave it off and ask to leave it alone if it somehow hasn't had enough time, , miles, or cycles of warm ups and cool downs. That may end the inspection thing or tell you that more is needed. Tester probably comes with detailed instructions for use - hope so.
Fuel filter suggested above: It may use "spring locked" things to release so you need a tool for that.
IMPORTANT! Anything to do with fuel and fuel under pressure in and around sparks and a hot engine has it's dangers of course. Use all common sense and ABSOLUTELY HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER RATED FOR FUEL/GREASE at the ready! I further suggest finding outdoor, level cement surface place to work when dealing with possible fuel spills like these can.
Ask away when in doubt. Several of us are here routinely or get help directly when called for,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 6, 2009, 5:37 PM
Post #8 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Blessedpilot; You aren't Sully, are you? Anyway, if you've driven 50 miles without the CEL coming back on, your readiness monitors have surely completed by now. I'd have it retested before you spend any more money. If, for some reason they have not, they'll probably just tell you to drive some more. Wouldn't be a bad idea to replace that fuel filter, regardless, if it's been on there a long time. The MAF sensor is very easy to remove and clean. Be sure your fuel tank is between 1/2 and 3/4 full. Too little fuel or too much fuel, it will take a long time for the EVAP monitor to complete. Good luck.
Loren
SW Washington
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Blessedpilot
Novice
Feb 6, 2009, 8:37 PM
Post #9 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Lol. Nope, no seaplane flights for me!
Thansk again for all the great advice. I have driven now for over 50 miles and the light still has not come back on. I actually went to Autozone today intent on purchasing a new fuel filter and the guy behind the desk kind of discouraged me a little bit. I told him the whole ordeal and he pretty much told me that when they hook that emission test machine up again that the codes will still register. I was kind of assuming that since the system was cleared that any codes would remain undetectable unless the system "tripped" again with fresh codes. Do yall know how that emission machine works? Do they put something in the tail pipe to get readings or are they just checking fault codes or both? I think I will go back up there tomorrow though and get that fuel filter. I am sure its way overdue for replacement and its only about $8.
So in yalls best estimates, If I replace the fuel filter and the light remains off, should I take it back up for reinspection feeling pretty confident that it will pass this time?
As far as the MAF sensor, is it hard to locate? How about cleaning? How should I go about that?
Thanks again,
Blessedpilot
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 6, 2009, 9:36 PM
Post #10 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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 The black, plastic looking thing-a-ma-bob is the MAF sensor. When you take it off, you'll see a diode looking thinga ma ging that may look a little fuzzy. Just clean it, gently, with carb cleaner or alchohol (don't use Maker's Mark) with a Q tip. Not sure about TX emissions, but WA will only plug into your OBD II connnector. Tail pipe emissions won't be checked. WA only checks for codes stored and CEL operation. This is '96 and newer, of course.
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 7, 2009, 3:10 AM
Post #11 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Same inspection here in MA. The car tells the machine it's ok for model years 96 and up w OBDII systems. They gave up testing by tailpipe unless there's something to see coming out. They change the rules by the hour so who knows for today? Too many cars flew off or damaged in testing alone by dyno.
If the CEL has remained OFF then it should be fine to retest by now! The car's puter will remember a slight glitch and if it can't self correct after a few tries it will light that light. It might say it "watching" something for a grace period in which case the scan will show "not ready" as it hasn't collected enough data. The state check by default will "reject" a vehicle IF the vehicle can't tell it that it's ok! It's legal to drive it for a time like that awaiting the fix. They use a black "R" (reject) sticker which means it's safe and under "grace" for a while - a RED "R" essentially means the car can't be used on public roads!
The inspection machine (I don't use those at all) are not there to tell you exactly what to fix - just that it isn't up to passing the test. It get's archived on the vehicle's VIN forever available thru CarFax what happened and when.
Go get the sticker NOW,
T
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Blessedpilot
Novice
Feb 7, 2009, 11:09 AM
Post #12 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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Thanks so much for all the advice. I'm gonna replace that filter and try to clean that MAF a bit and give it another shot. I'll let yall know how it turns out.
Thanks again,
BlessedPilot
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 7, 2009, 11:28 AM
Post #13 of 13
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Re: My Little Chariot Failed! P0174 & P0171
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If running well right now go get your free recheck now before doing anything more which might just cause another temporary code if engine struggles with empty new fuel filter (some may) or isn't pleased having that sensor even unplugged or cleaned right now if running well right now,
T
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