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Taurus Emissions Code

20 messages,  Last post on Mar 27, 2010 at 12:35 AM

You are in the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Exhaust, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#11 of 20 2001 Duratec Error code troubleshooting...Help! by atucker3

Jun 30, 2008 (8:32 am)

#12 of 20 2001 Duratec Error code troubleshooting...Help! by atucker3

Jun 27, 2008 (8:48 am)

I have a 2001 Sable LS Premium Wagon. Duratec engine, 90K miles. It has been mostly trouble free (until March). I had a "Check engine" light come on back in March, right before I had to get an emissions test (WA state). I spent almost $800 getting that fixed, and yes, the price was REALLY high, in my opinion. It was an EGR valve, and a couple of vent tubes. I had no choice. (as most of you know, Troubleshooting this stuff on your own is near impossible!)
 
A couple of weeks ago, the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I checked the owners manual, and it stated that there "should not be any driveability issues" associated with the light. A few days later, the engine started to idle a little high, then it will almost die at idle. It runs fine at anything over an idle. No issues at normal speeds, highway included. I took the car to CSK, and used a code reader on it. I got the following codes: P0171: System too lean (Bank 1); P0174: System too lean (Bank 2); P0300: Random Misfire detected. The guys at CSK were stumped. (of course). They suggested that I change the plugs, to start. I changed the plugs, with no change whatsoever. I have disconnected the battery to try and reset the computer, also. The light came back on within 5 minutes.
 
When I took the upper manifold off to change the plugs, I did notice that the throttle plate looked "gunked up", kind of a "varnish" looking deposit, like you'd see on an old carb. This seemed odd, since (as far as I know) all the fuel goes into the manifold well beyond that throttle plate. I didn't clean it, BTW.
 
Any suggestions (besides taking it to a garage!) would be appreciated. I can't afford another trip to the garage, right now.
 
Thanks,
atucker3

#13 of 20 Lean Duratec by rogerb34

Jun 29, 2008 (2:27 pm)

Check for intake vacuum leaks.
The car was dyno tested for emissions.
What were the results in O2, HC, CO, NOX?
O2 should be near zero.
HC and CO should be at or near average for the class.
NOX readings should be within the acceptable range since a new EGR was fitted.
O2 sensors are major components determining lean or rich fuel conditions.
I recently replaced Upstream Bank 2 O2 sensor with Bosch 15716 from Parts Authority for $42. OEM electrical connect. Should be replaced at 100k miles anyway.
Bank 1 Upstream is difficult to access. Ford says remove upper intake manifold. I've checked 05 Sable and had the removal tool on with leverage from passenger side. That's what I will do if necessary. Soak the warm sensors with PB a catalytic penetrant 5 min two cycles.
I disagree with near impossible. Easier. Buy a decent scan tool. If you can remove the upper air intake manifold you can handle the emissions system components. I also have the Ford shop manual. $45 on the net.

#14 of 20 Problem solved... by atucker3

Jun 30, 2008 (8:32 am)

Thanks for the reply. This weekend, I cleaned the throttle body, and of course that didn't help. I checked the small, "hard" vacuum lines that go to the EGR and into the upper mainfold. They were good.I could still hear it "sucking air" from somewhere. I started running my hand under the manifold along the other lines (with the engine running), and I stuck my finger by one of the lines, the idle came up to normal. I could feel the vacuum really strong. It was a rip in a soft rubber elbow that is hooked into the bottom of the manifold, just behind the throttle body. The elbow is rubber, with a hard plastic pipe on the other end. The vacuum was so strong that it was collapsing the elbow, pinching it off. The hard plastic pipe runs to another rubber hose below the fuel injectors. There are no clamps on the hard plastic pipe. There is a heavy steel "pinch" type clamp holding the rubber elbow to the manifold. It was Saturday, and no dealers were open that late. I patched the rip with some weatherstrip glue and (gulp!) duct tape. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes, and put everything back together. The light hasn't come back on, and the car runs fine. I will go to the dealer and get the part, today. I had read somewhere that lean conditions are almost always vacuum related. Thanks again for the reply!
atucker3

#15 of 20 02 sensor for 96 ford taurus 3.0 v6 by mickeyb3

Jun 27, 2009 (11:50 am)

i need to know how to replace my 02 sensor an about were they are

#16 of 20 1997 Ford Taurus by shamrock26

Aug 05, 2009 (8:14 am)

97 Ford Taurus 106 k It has service engine soon light on,I went for state inspection and it failed emissions they told me it couldnt get a reading has anyone else had this problem or can anyone help me with this problem is and how can i fix it i'd appreciate someones opinion or input....Thanks

#17 of 20 O2 sensor location late model Sable/Taurus by rogerb34

Aug 23, 2009 (11:57 am)

Upstream sensors are critical as they are primary in fuel injection timing.
Downstream sensors verify that emissions are within tolerance.
Upstream sensors are located on the front and rear exhaust manifolds where the cylinders converge. Looks like a large spark plug but is aluminum with 4 wires and a connector. The rear bank same but not easy to see.
Disconnect the front bank sensor first. Squeeze to release catch. Do it with left hand. Takes some tries to unplug. Reason left hand is the rear bank connector is accessible left hand unless removal of the upper air intake manifold. I've done it on a 05 Duratec without removal.
Use a 1/2 inch O2 sensor socket and rachet. Inexpensive deep socket with wire slot at auto store.
Try cold w/o using max force. If it doesn't break, warm engine for 30 sec and apply a penetrant. Rear use a penetrant soaked sponge.
High mileage engines can pose a removal problem. I've replaced several without a problem but.
Add a little anti sieze to the new sensor threads. Make sure not on the tip. Snug tight like a spark plug and connect the plug.
Bosch is my preference and OEM electrical connection.
O2 sensor is primary for proper fuel and MPG. Those cars with Upstream sensors have a cat built into the exhaust pipe just below the sensor. Drive with a check engine warning light on due to fuel mixture beyond specs will burn out the cat. Extremely expensive to replace the upstream cat as it is cast into the exhaust pipe. In comparison, the upstream sensors are $50 - $80 each depending on the car.

#18 of 20 Re: 88 Taurus - trouble codes cannot be read - [leerob44] by plongley

Mar 23, 2010 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: leerob44 (Jan 13, 2007 12:51 am)
Did you ever figure out what was wrong? I am having similar problem with 97 Mercury Sable. My mechanic is baffled as well.

#19 of 20 Re: failed emission test [tthompson005] by plongley

Mar 27, 2010 (12:13 am)

Replying to: tthompson005 (Dec 24, 2007 11:15 am)
did you ever find out for sure what was wrong and why it was giving you that message? I am having a similar problem with a 97 Mercury Sable. Car runs fine, but cannot get it to pass the NYS Inspection.

#20 of 20 Re: 1997 Ford Taurus [shamrock26] by plongley

Mar 27, 2010 (12:35 am)

Replying to: shamrock26 (Aug 05, 2009 8:14 am)
Shamrock, did you ever find out what was causing it? I am having a similar problem - will not pass inspection - says sensors not ready. CEL is not on though.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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