Ok I went to schucks today and pulled the codes from my car, and my dad appeared out of no where so i was like eh what the heck and pulled his too.

here's the codes i got from my 3.0l:

ran a cylinder balance test, came up with cylinder 5 was "weak". what's that mean? i figured it mean that one plug wasn't firing well.

during the KOEO (Key On Engine Off) test, i came up with these codes:

DTC: 111
DTC: 172 - HEG0 H02S sensor fault/lean. person at schucks told me that was my o2 sensor wearing out, so i bought a new bosch o2 sensor, will install in a few.

during the KOER (Key On Engine Running) test i came up with these codes:

DTC: 412 - No rpm control during test
DTC: 538 - something about computer couldn't control high rpms (yet it jumps right on up to 4k+ and goes hella quick when i have to pass tweakers/ricers/old farts)

didn't right down the explanation to those... what do they mean??


on my dad's 4.0l:

we didn't run the cylinder balance test.

KOEO Test popped up:

DTC: 111
DTC: 181
DTC: 185
DTC: 186/7 - Fault in injector pulse too high/too low. - bought some fuel injector cleaner, as recomended by the autoparts lady
DTC: 187

KOER Test popped up:

DTC: 412 - No rpm control during test
DTC: 116 - engine coolant too high/too low for what comp. thought was normal
DTC: 583 - something about computer couldn't control high rpms.

I also bought a thing of throttle body cleaner to clean my EGR valve so it stops trippin out on me. i hope i don't have to buy a one. any young one lookin for advice, learn from me: DON'T POWERWASH YOUR ENGINE BAY W YOUR ENGINE IN IT. lol

you guys are a great help on here!!! i have no idea what i'd do w/o this forum!!!!!
Can you guys help explain these codes to me?

 

on cyl 5, can be plug, plug wire, injector, injector wiring, #5 valves or vacuum leak on #5 plenum runner
also check distributor cap, especially #5 spark lug inside for a carbon track line across to another cyl or center carbon connnector
examine under bright light for a crack in the cap.

the codes can be old ones from the last time codes were cleared by command or disconnecting battery neg - lead.

i would replace the O2 sensor in your 3L as first service step
always disconnect battery neg - lead when working on vehicle electrical system especially the ECU/PCM or its sensors such as the O2 sensor

drive it for a week or 2 until new sensor breaks in to exhaust heat cycles and then retest codes/cylinder balance and post here

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=45

run your own code tests
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13


your dad's 4L looks like it may have a dirty or failing MAF with the lean air/fuel mix codes, try 30 minute cleaning/soak of the element in TB cleaner. remove the 2 torx on top and pull element out. fragile, do not drop, treat gently, no brush.
can also be O2 sensor on its last legs.

clear codes after service and drive for a week, recheck codes
4Ls prior to 96 were not capable of cylinder balance test, bank fuel injected.

 

Plug or wire is the issue here (more than likely) It could be also the Fuel Injector is plugging up or you have carbon buildup on the valves. But as I said, replace the plug and wires, that 'should' fix the balance issue.

111- System Pass Current Memory
172- Indicates System Lean. This could mean that you have a bad O2, but it is also indicative of a vacuum leak. Sense you already purchased the O2, replace it, not too tuff on the Aero but just bracing you that it could be something else.

412/538 was caused by you "Operator error (dynamic response / cylinder balance tests" During the KOER, you need to goose the gas when the CEL flashes at you before it starts giving codes.

181- Adaptive fuel rich limit is reached
185- MAF lower than expected
186- Injector pulse width higher than expected
187- Injector pulse width lower than expected.

Hopefully the fuel cleaner will help with the injectors, but it sounds like he needs his MAF replaced, causing the fuel issue.

412/583 again is because you did not goose the gas. as for the 116, looks like he needs to replace his coolant sensor (ECT). That could also explain some of his rich issues in the KOEO.

 

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thank you much much for all the replies. surprisingly it doesn't look very difficult to replace the plug wires, for the most part i can reach back most of the way/under the wheel wells. plugs shouldn't be tooooooooooo much of a problem. i think i want to replace them with the bosche platinum two tip plugs. might rebuild top half of dizzy while i'm at it, never hurts to be over cautious.

 

Don't waste the money on those, the 3.0L OHV is not a performance engine, get yourself some good motorcraft plugs/wires and they will last 80k mi+.

 

I'm guessing napa sells those? Autozone only sell bosche.

UPDATE: I replaced my O2 sensor, and my aero suddenly started acting like its old self!!! I'm still probly going to clean the throttle body tho... just to be safe.