P0303 & P0171

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Jan 7, 2005 | 06:15 PM

BassGuy

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From: Charm City

P0303 & P0171

Hey folks. I haven't been active in awhile, so hopefully forgiveness (and assistance) will be given.

Yesterday when I started my '96 4.0 5sp Ranger XLT to go to work, the Check Engine light came on. My ride is shaky (as in the truck shakes as I accelerate) and there is a huge power loss.

I read the codes and got:
P0303 - Stating that cylinder 3 is misfiring, and the CEL will blink for 1 mintue when the misfire is severe. And it does blink when I accelerate.

P0171 - Indicating that bank 1 is running lean.

So... what should I look at? Easy stuff first, obviously.

I'm guessing Fuel Filter and Spark Plugs/Wires. I'd like to stay as inexpensive as possible (Christmas wiped me out).

Thanks so much.

Jan 7, 2005 | 07:08 PM

Ken00

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: South Jersey

I'm thinking bad injector on three, not firing, causing the miss fire and lean conidtion. Check the resistance of the injectors and connections to start.

Jan 7, 2005 | 07:52 PM

jecsd1

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Joined: Nov 2003

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dont rule out the coil pack or ignition

try swaping a spark plug and wire with a neighboring cylinder and see if the code changes to that new cylinder. If it doesn't you can bet that the coil pack took a dump. They aren't cheap so try the swap first. If you have a buddy with the same truck you can swap the coil pack to verfiy. They take like 60 seconds to swap.

Jason

Jan 7, 2005 | 09:32 PM

BassGuy

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From: Charm City

Good suggestions guys, but I went ahead and replaced the plug and wire on the number 3 cylinder (before I read your replies). That seems to have fixed the problem. It's running as per normal.

Tomorrow I tackle the other 5.

Thanks for your input though, I'll definitely keep those suggestions in mind next time.

Jan 7, 2005 | 10:52 PM

el conquistador

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BassGuy

glad to hear it was just the plug and/or wire.

hopefully there isn't a next time.

Feb 13, 2005 | 10:59 PM

mod-walt

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Joined: Feb 2005

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Same problem in '02 2.3/4 cyl with cyl 1 misfire. Changed all 4 wires and plugs. I was about to change coil (autozone and advance told that was my next - best option) when tech and customer at Oreilly said my coil could not the problem since it is a single coil. The suggested compression test on cylinders and inspect for fuel injector problem.
I try to do as much DIY as possible (like pligs, wires, and coil) but I am over my head I think. Any thoughts or on how to check fuel injectors (what i am leaning to)?

Feb 14, 2005 | 07:13 AM

IB Tim

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