I just got a P0176 code on my 99' Ranger 3.0L Flex 4X4 offroad. The truck is running fine. Does anyone have any experience with the fuel composition sensor circuit?

Questions I could use answered:
-Where is it?
-Do I need it if I only run 87?
-Can you buy them or dealer only?
-Does this code mean the sensor is bad or bad wiring?

 

Hello TJN, welcome to FTE!

Code P0176 is related to your Flex Fuel Sensor and can be caused by one or more of the following:

l Open or short in FF sensor VPWR circuit
l Open in battery ground to FF sensor circuit
l Open in FF sensor signal circuit
l Short to ground in FF sensor signal circuit
l Fuel contamination
l Short to VPWR in FF sensor battery ground circuit
l Short to VPWR in FF sensor signal circuit
l Fuel separation
l Damaged FF sensor
l Damaged PCM

Also, you might want to read through this previous thread on the subject: Flex Fuel Sensor.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for that other thread. In the last month, I have had to have my computer reprogramed, replaced my mass air sensor, replaced my EGR sensor, and now this sensor.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to why I'm loosing sensors constantly?

Can you get these sensors at a junk yard, and will they work right with my computer?

Do you chance this sensor like a fuel filter?

 

I would wait until you run a few more tanks through it, look at the wiring for problems. You do need it for proper operation, the PCM uses the information. They are not a common failure but you never know with JY parts.