02 Problems with 2003 F150

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Dec 8, 2006 | 10:41 AM

jwill22k4

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From: Norfolk, VA

02 Problems with 2003 F150

Hi,
I have a 2003 F150 I bought a year ago that only has 24,000 miles on it. I have definitely taken great care of the truck from weekly cleanings and waxings and everything else that comes with owning a vehicle. I recently was going to Advance Auto to buy some oil and I had decided that I should put something new on my truck. I figured I would get a little bit more horse power and a little bit better gas mileage by installing an Airraid cold air intake system. I did so, and that night I recieved the "service engine" light. I was puzzled by this seeing as I don't know too much stuff about cars anyways. I went to the advance where I bought the part and I hooked up their diagnostics machine, got the error code, went inside and chatted with the employee who told me that I had a bad o2 sensor. I am wondering how this relates to my newly added cold-air intake system. Is the sensor bad, or is it just not correct by reading direct cold-air instead of warmer air coming off of the manifold? I am clueless as to whether I should buy a new o2 sensor or just try to return the cold air intake? I did spend like 180 dollars on the thing..

Please help me out on this thing as I am pretty much clueless as to what I am going to do..

Dec 8, 2006 | 10:50 AM

jwill22k4

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From: Norfolk, VA

The fault code that was given by the diagnostics test was "P0174 system too lean bank 2." There was another fault code but I don't remember..the guy told me to get a new o2 sensor.

Dec 8, 2006 | 12:49 PM

KingRanchMan02

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From: Louisville, Kentucky

The installation of the Airraid and the DTC are likely directly related. A P0174 DTC is most often accompanied by a P0171 DTC. P0171 is Bank 1 Lean, P0174 is Bank 2 Lean. Lean DTCs are an indication that the ECU has reached the limits of trying to richen the fuel mixture. The cause can be an air leak in the ducting of the Airraid after the MAF but before the Throttle Body. This would tend to throw off the ECU from un-metered air entering the system. A dirty MAF can also cause the problem especially if the air filter has been excessively oiled. Check the ducting first to make sure that it is sealed up properly. Then clean the MAF with electronic cleaner or brake cleaner. Be very careful of the fine wire of the sensor. DO NOT touch it and let it air dry before reassembly. Good luck!

Dec 8, 2006 | 03:23 PM

Wilber15

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Duluth, MN

When you hooked it up, did u mess with the MAF sensor at all? This could be related due to the increase in air being delivered to the combustion chamber. If the MAF sensor isn't reading it right, it's going to put far less fuel in then needed and could cause the lean code on your o2 sensor. A lean code is NOT a bad o2 sensor unless it is continually running lean and unresponsive. Try to put some Propane into the air intake and watch the o2 voltage to go very rich(about .9V). This will indicate a working o2 sensor. Like posted prevously to mine, clean the MAF sensor first.