Hi everybody, this is my first post on this site. I bought an '02 150xl 4.6 4 x 2 regular cab/long bed last week, my first ford. I am super happy with it. It has 130,000 (mostly highway) on it and it seems to have been very well taken care of.

Anyways, my reason for posting: I was told by the guy that sold it to me that when he got the truck two days before i saw it the service engine light was on, he plugged it in and it gave him the code for the oxygen sensor. When I test drove the truck, the light did not come on. It passed inspection last week no questions asked. The service engine soon light came on again a couple days ago. The truck is running beautifully.

I've read a few threads on this site concerning this issue and I realize that before I post the pxxxx code nobody will be able to give me any concrete advice, so that is my next step, i'll post it as soon as I can get a chance. Any advice about my problem or my model truck will be greatly appreciated!

Everybody on here seems very helpful and genuine so i figured i'd jump in and say hello.

Nick

 

Just go get the codes read.

Without them, there is nothing anyone can do except guess, which is about as effective as farting into a hurricane.

 

That is pretty effective, gets the smell a long way from you in a hurry.

 

No, I mean you'll never get a chance to enjoy or share it with your buddies as it will be swept away so fast.

 

Lol^^

 

ROFLMAO.

 

Just make sure you don't shart if you're facing up-wind....

OK, got the codes: p0171 and p0174. Oxygen sensor(s).

The kid at autozone said it could be one or both, and that i'd have to get a test ran to see which one it is unless i just replaced both.

Anybody with experience? (mine is an '02 f150 4.6)

 

Don't pay any attention to the kid at AZ. This problem is common and is commonly caused by a hase that is connected to the back of the intake manifold. This hose comes from the PCV valve on the passenger side valve cover. The hose makes a 90 degree bend back there and it typically rots out in the bend. Other areas to lool at, clean the MAF, fuel pressure that is too high or low, and leaking injectors. Good luck!

 

thanks king ranch

I searched these forums for my codes and found a ton of advice.... It seems like checking the vaccum hoses is the place to start.

Question: Besides possible poor gas mileage, are there other tell-tale signs that could help me diagnose the problem?

 

The engine may idle rough with these codes, particularly if the PVC hos is leaking bad.