code interpretation for non-mechanic...intermitent CEL

[htheduck]

Folks,
I ran the codes test for the first time ever as a non-mechanic and was looking for some feedback, interpretation since I don't know what these components do EXACTLY and the negative results. Been experiencing 18 mpg lately and the car is 96K all stock and just about all OE...so I know there are maintenance issue DUE. I need this groups help to indentify and that's what I'll get repaired. I can't find my last service receipt from 75k, so before I get flamed I can't recall what was/was not performed on the SHO. It is a weekend car...that intermitently flashes the CEL.

KOff: 111 / (stored) 176,543
176 (M) Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean Left or Front HO22SSS - Fuel control
543 (O) Fuel pump monitor circuit shows no power - Power / Fuel Pump Circuits
(M) (Service 556 code first if present) Fuel pump relay or battery power feed was open - Power / Fuel Pump Circuits


KOn:
116 (O,R) Engine Coolant (ECT) sensor out of range - ECT
172 (R,M) Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean - Single, Right orr Rear HO2S - Fuel control
136 (R) Oxygen sensor not switching/system lean Left or Front HO2S - Fuel control
167 (R) No Throttle Position sensor change in "goose" test (must get at least 25% rotation) - TPS
225 (R) Knock sensor not tested (ignore if not pinging) - KS

WHAT DO THESE MEAN? I'm pretty sure I need to replace the O2 sensor ?? (172,136 + my bad gass mileage?)...so I will look up a 'How to" post.

Would this O2 be my primary cause of the above codes and drive symptoms/gas mileage?

Thanks in advance for this newb.
-Howard

 

[SHO#7]

It does indeed sound as if an Oxygen sensor is bad. However, your ECT ( Engine coolant temp ) sensor will have a big factor on mileage as well. If it does not see the car warm up, it will contiue to run rich during warm up mode. I would replace that too. All in all, you most likely have 120 in parts and 1 to 2 hours of labor in your driveway. Just take your time. The O2 sensors are a little tight on an ATX.

Mike

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

It seems to me both sensors are reading lean meaning either you need 2 new O2 sensors...or you have an intake leak somewhere.

I have gotten the 543...someone posted on here how sometimes that code is thrown, but it is thrown for something that isnt wrong or something. (they said dont worry about it)

167 - you didnt goose it during the test, didnt goose it enough, or the TPS is bad.

ECT you probably need to change

 

[htheduck]

Folks, thanks for all the informative replies. I am a novice when it comes to engine topics, so please bear with me:

O2 sensors, they are 'over the counter' items-right? shouldn't be just limited to deealer/Motorcraft brand (I will do a search).
-HOW TO and where are they located? I believe you need a special tool to accomodate the wire?
-Also I should replace both while I'm at it since they are both OE?

ECT (this is not thermostat right? or near it?)
-WHERE located?
-what is estimated cost and labor? (HOW TO?)
-is this only a dealer part?

Much thanks again in advance for time and patience.
-Howard

 

[sdpatt]

If the engine was not up to normal operating temperature, you will receive the ECT code during the KOER test. Try the test again with the temp in the NORMAL range.

The knock sensor code also states in the description that if you don't hear any pingnig, then there likely isn't a problem with the sensor. The code only reveals that the sensor did not "see" a knock event during the test and since you did not goose the throttle, you couldn't have created one.

The O2 sensors are both reading lean, meaning you have a lean condition or the sensors are both shot. If they are more than 60,000 miles old then they are old.

 

[htheduck]

Many thanks to all those that provided advice for this newb! What a PITA for that rear one!!! After some elbow grease they are both in: 15716 x 2-is it a problem if 15718 is NOT used for the rear? (The auto store listed both 15716 as front and rear).

The car is now clear of codes except for (538)-which is fine by me AND THAT BLASTED CEL LIGHT IS GONE. I'm looking forward to experiencing my new gas mileage...so I will go down to NJ and fill her up!

I am so happy now, thanks to all-please come here for a beer!
-H

 

[naval-avi8or]

The only difference between the two part numbers for the O2's is the lenght on the wire's.