- This topic has 11 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 2 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
I got a 97 F150 with the 4.2 V6, automatic transmission 2wd. My SES/CEL light came on and as of today the computer has presented 4 codes.
P1537 – Intake Manifold Runner Control stuck open
P0430 – Catylyst Effieciency Below Threshold Bank 2
P0306 – Cylinder 6 Misfire
P0174 – Bank 2 System Too LeanTheres not too many symptoms with the truck. If Im starting it cold it has a somewhat longer crank time. Also if Im driving for awhile. If Im in gear at idle the engine stumbles and oil pressure drops into the red. Sometimes it stalls completely but usually that’s just if I have the wheel turned all the way (usually im in reverse and parking when that happens). Im thinking its a vacuum leak. I just don’t know where all of my vac hoses are or which ones I should really check. I know and have heard of the intake gasket going tho right now the procedure and cost is a bit over my head to fix.
From what Ive read at least the P1537 code is somewhat common on Fords especially with the 4.2 V6 engines. So I am looking for some insight before I decide what to do. I did look at my live data on my OBDII reader. Ive noticed that my LT fuel trim is usually at 10.xx which confirms to me that the computer is correcting for a lean condition. All of the other data points seem ok to me. The 1537 and 0306 codes have been persistent tho the other two have only come up recently.
So far engine wise the only thing Ive really done is clean the IAC and also checked the fluid levels of course and they are fine.
-
Replies
-
here is some help Chris.Start with the p0174 and p1537
p1537- http://www.justanswer.com/ford/5dzr0-1997-f150-v6-code-p1537-p1538-intake-runner-control.html
p0430-
p0306- misfire #6 cylinder
P0174- http://www.justanswer.com/ford/2lwdr-1997-f-150-ihave-code-p1506-p0171-p0174.html
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
That is really useful info Collegeman. I don’t have the special OBDII computer to really test the IMRC with but it does give me a better idea of how to remove the upper plenum so I can get a good looksee and see whats going on.
I was thinking about the lean code.If the intake runner is
stuck open.You will be taking in more air than you should.
which may cause a lean condition. keep us posted on your progress.I’ll keep you updated. Sometime this week I plan on doing a power balence test to see if Im having a spark or ignition issue with cylinder 6 or one of the other cylinders causing the computer to think its cyl 6. Tho Im wondering if with the runner stuck open is causing the miss. Any ideas?
[quote=”ChrisR1987″ post=73641]I’ll keep you updated. Sometime this week I plan on doing a power balence test to see if Im having a spark or ignition issue with cylinder 6 or one of the other cylinders causing the computer to think its cyl 6. Tho Im wondering if with the runner stuck open is causing the miss. Any ideas?[/quote]
I think it could be a great possibility if that runner is open.
I’m with College man. I’d be looking at that intake runner. If it’s stuck open it might set your lean codes. As for the catalytic converter, I actually did a video on how to check those.
You might also find this useful.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thanks Eric, I forgot to mention Im pretty sure I got an exhaust leak near my headers Ive yet to really take a good look at the exhaust to find out. But I feel it may be a contributing cause to the efficiency code. I did do a power balance test. I basicly unplugged the wires from the ignition coil pack on top of the upper plenum one at a time. All of the ports had evident spark and the engine rpm dropped with each wire plugged tho when I unplugged number 6 the engine stumbled more compared to when I pulled the other plug wires.
I do have 2 questions before I delve into my intake. Mainly because Im on a budget. I was wondering if its possible to get away with not torqueing the the bolts to spec. The procedures Im reading state theres various bolts that need torqued including the upper plenum, throttle linkage bracket and another bracket.
Also I found out the gasket set for the upper plenum and intake arnt exactly cheap. One of my buddies suggested thin cardboard. Would it be possible for me to use a couple layers of thin cardboard bonded with RTV?
I havnt been able to test my fuel injectors as its hard to get at the connections with the upper plenum in the way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I also noticed for a little while the problem with the stumbling idle went away but its starting to return. It still stumbles at idle in gear from time to time. Not as often as it used to. The only thing Ive really done is run a couple of bottles of injector cleaner from the gas tank.
I would not use card board and rtv for gaskets.
You don’t want to do all that work and have it leak.
Looks like about 80. bucks for the intake gaskets.
Try ebay or rock auto shop around.You checked the injectors when you did the power balance test. Home made gaskets are NOT the way to go. NEVER use RTV in that manner no matter what. I think continuing to run injector cleaner through the system is a waste of time and money, especially since you’ve pretty much ruled out the fuel system being the problem.
If you have a known exhaust leak, address it. It could be causing the problem.
Address the known problems you have an then work your way onto other things if the problem still exists.
Thanks Eric. Im sorry for not getting back to this post. My computer at the house bit the dust and I wound up letting the ford go. I got a Dodge Neon instead. So much easier on gas. Not to mention easier to work on and fun to drive! Thanks for the input yall.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.