Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

4 cyl. CEL after replacing 02 sensor - help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 7, 2010 | 01:36 PM
  #1  
johare's Avatar
johare
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, IL USA
4 cyl. CEL after replacing 02 sensor - help

Hi All,
I have been away for awhile but now have an '02 4cylinder, 5 speed Ranger.

I got a CEL and had Autozone pull the codes which indicated an upstream 02 sensor. I replaced the sensor and canceled the CEL. After about 4-5 starts the CEL came back on with the same code. Cancelled again and again after 4-5 starts CEL is back on. Indication is 02 sensor.

I suppose it is possible that the new 02 sensor is bad but what else should I be checking?
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2010 | 03:08 PM
  #2  
wtroger's Avatar
wtroger
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
These are heated 02 sensors. Ensure fuse 15 in the under hood fuse panel is good.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:29 PM
  #3  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by johare
Hi All,
I have been away for awhile but now have an '02 4cylinder, 5 speed Ranger.

I got a CEL and had Autozone pull the codes which indicated an upstream 02 sensor. I replaced the sensor and canceled the CEL. After about 4-5 starts the CEL came back on with the same code. Cancelled again and again after 4-5 starts CEL is back on. Indication is 02 sensor.

I suppose it is possible that the new 02 sensor is bad but what else should I be checking?
what was the actual code #....................let me guess p0171?
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 06:01 AM
  #4  
johare's Avatar
johare
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, IL USA
I can't find the code slip but I believe it was Po 171.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 06:34 AM
  #5  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by johare
I can't find the code slip but I believe it was Po 171.
A p0171 by itself is the O2 sensor doing it s job and reporting that you have a lean condition. Most of the time it is a vacuum leak or a fuel pressure issue.......in your case suspect a vacuum leak.......I think on your engine there is a common vacuum or pcv hose that cracks...do a search or look around your engine for a bad hose...........next time you have an issue don't listen to AZ people ..most don't know what they are doing or they want to sell you parts..........post the issue here first.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 10:05 AM
  #6  
KhanTyranitar's Avatar
KhanTyranitar
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Yep, unfortunately once again someone who didn't know that the P0171 code is not an O2 sensor code listened to the non-mechanic ignorant working at the parts store who would love to sell you an O2 sensor and make a commission on it. They are great for access to their code reader, but they often no next to nothing about cars.

Again, thats why you are a member of an automotive forum, there is a wealth of information here, and a lot of people who have had the same problem as you and know how to fix it.

Vacuum leak is the most common cause of that code. Usually the PCV elbow cracks and leaks, though any vacuum line can be the culprit. It is possible for the intake manifold gasket to shrink and harden over time which can also cause leaks. If you don't find any broken of disconnected hoses, then you can put the intake gaskets on the suspect list. If the fuel filter gets plugged or the pump gets weak, you will often loose power when accelerating and the symptoms of that are quite different from vacuum leaks. Still if you haven't replaced the fuel filter recently, consider doing so.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
usa_alex
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Nov 5, 2016 08:08 AM
fridgeddiesel
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Aug 1, 2016 08:28 AM
Headviking
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
25
Jan 21, 2016 09:25 AM
asurber
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jul 17, 2010 02:23 PM
257man
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
May 5, 2006 09:24 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:53 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE