check engine light code

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Oct 9, 2009 | 06:54 PM

3basecharlie

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check engine light code

Earlier I left a message describing some troubles I was having with my 1997 f-150, it was suggested to get the check engine light checked out, well I finally got it done; there were 2 codes-PO141, which I was told was O2 sensor drivers side after cat, the other was PO306, I was told was a misfire on cly 6. I corrected both and went back to get it checked out and the light reset. The light, however, has come back on not 15 miles after I had it checked and reset.
What could be causing this, I am running out of time with the state inspection
Thanks

Oct 9, 2009 | 07:10 PM

n5926g

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From: Hernando Ms

You need to get the codes rechecked,and correct the problem. If its the 02 sensor I suggest replacing them. My 97 4.2 had 4 02 sensors,two upstream and two downstream. The up stream ones control the computer. the downstreams merely tell you of the cats are doing their job.Just having the codes cleared wont fix the issue,and the CEL will come back.

Oct 9, 2009 | 07:18 PM

3basecharlie

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Thanks for the quick reply
I replaced the o2 sensor driver side after the cat and I fixed the mis-fire on cly 6...when I did the tune-up I must not have pushed the wire down because it was arching, causing the misfire.
I'm concerned because after the fix the light came back on. Is it that replacing just the one o2 sensor is not enough???, They're easy to replace but they don't give them away

Thanks

Oct 9, 2009 | 08:48 PM

n5926g

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From: Hernando Ms

Agreed,they dont give them away,but youll have to find out what the present code is,and fix it accordingly.If you have fixed the 02 sensor issue,and the misfire issue,evidently theres something else throwing a code.Im lucky,I live in Missisiipi,and we dont have emissions testing here.
I suggest that you purchase an OBDII reader,and keep it handy. These are an invaluable tool in the "arsenal",and can be used on most all the newer vehicles.

Oct 9, 2009 | 08:49 PM

eallanboggs

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If you actually fixed the problem the ECM would turn the CEL lite "OFF" after the MONITOR that watches over that function runs and PASSes. If the problem isn't fixed you can drive down to your local parts store over and over again to have the lite turned "OFF", but it will continue to come back "ON" unless you fix the problem that turned the lite "ON" in the first place. Just because you get an 02 sensor code doesn't mean the 02 sensor is defective. It could actully be doing its' job by reporting a rich or lean condition. If you have the manufacturers shop manual you will find that there is a long step by step process associated with each DTC and the first one is NOT to change the 02 sensor. You have to do many checks first and you finally get to the replacement of the 02 which is usually the very last step. Maybe you actually have a lean or rich condition instead of a faulty 02 Sensor. Ford doesn't report misfires until they get pretty bad so your lucky you got P0306 pointing you to cy6. You must have had driveability issues by that time.

Oct 9, 2009 | 09:23 PM

3basecharlie

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Thanks for the insight,
I am not enough of a mechanic to analyze the problems, but I'm able to wrench the problem once I'm headed in the right direction.
My goal is to find out what the next step would be since it seems I've gone to the last step before following the proper course of action. I will be going to have the codes read again tomorrow, we'll see what that brings

Thanks for the help