Check Engine Light

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Jan 18, 2004 | 04:15 PM

fordfan419

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Check Engine Light

I own a 2000 Explorer with 4.0L SOHC. My check engine light is on and Auto Zone hooked up their reader and it says "Bank 1 Lean" & "Bank 2 Lean". The gal told me this is most likely bad oxygen sensor(s). I have 2 questions.

1) Do you agree with this diagnosis?

2) Is this something I can easily replace myself or does it have to be taken to a dealer or certified mechanic?

Jan 18, 2004 | 06:05 PM

tankhokie

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Hmm,

When both banks are reading lean, that would mean either there is a problem upsteam of your sensors. (If you are unfamiliar with what that means, it basically is saying that on both the left and right side cylinder "banks" that not enough fuel is being given to make an ideal combustion mixture of fuel and air -- probably due to a sensor malfunction.)

or

the unlikely chance that all of your O2 sensors went bad at the same time. (my '96 has 4 seperate O2 sensors)

I would definitely do some more troubleshooting (if you know how) before I tossed in all new O2 sensors.

They are a very easy to replace, they have a wire harness that unplugs then they simply screw out with a big adjustable wrench or special wrench that you can borrow from Autozone. You may have to warm the engine/exhaust pipes up a little to break them free, but my '96's came out easy without warming.

Hope that helps, if you are handy with basic tools, then I would suggest getting a repair manual like Chilton's of something similar (sold in Autozone/Advanced Auto/etc.) they will lead you though steps to check out all your sensors and do repairs yourself. I live by mine

Jan 18, 2004 | 06:14 PM

ltfox

Fleet Mechanic

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From: CentralEastern Utah

I had the same thing on my 2000. It would'nt start very good on cold mornings, real rough idle. Ended up being the lower intake gaskets. She starts and runs great now. And no more light. I disagree as above about the o2 sensors. Dont add up to me.

Jan 19, 2004 | 08:22 AM

fordfan419

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Thanks for the info guys. I didn't mention it in the first post but I also have the problem with hard starting on cold mornings. I am most definitely not equipped myself with proper tools, etc. to do major engine repair but I appreciate the guidance on where to have a mechanically inclined co-worker here start from.

Jan 20, 2004 | 10:11 PM

jonusmcny

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I have a 97 4.0 SOHC, Im having the same problems with the cold starts and the check engine light coming on for bad 02 sensors (and as a little bonus it just came on for a misfire in #1,2 or 3). A friend of mine had a 97 sport and it was doing the same exact thing in the winter. Is there anything that we (owners) can do to have ford fix this?

Jan 20, 2004 | 10:46 PM

FortyFords

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From: USA

lower intake o-rings (gaskets) unless your o2 sensors are not reading any change at all or are out of range on the scan tools.

No ford won't fix the 97 ,but the should help on the2000 if the mileage is not to high.

Rich

Jan 27, 2004 | 03:30 PM

fordfan419

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Does anyone know where to find the lower intake gasket repair kit (and can you buy a complete kit) if I want to try to do this myself? I did call the local Ford dealer in my area. They want $250 to do the repair.