System Too Lean Error
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System Too Lean Error
Hey guys, I'm new to Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum but I sure could use some help.
Just the other day I came to a stop and my 2003 F150 4.6L starting sputtering like it was about out of fuel. Got home and connected my Code Reader to see what might be the issue. It came back with P0174/P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 2 and 1 respectively).
Well here are the things I've tried and or replaced up until this point:
- New tank of premium fuel with octane booster added
- Replaced PCV Valve
- Cleaned MAF Sensor which did not work so I replaced the MAF Sensor.
- Put in new air filter
I read somewhere about clogged EGR valve but up until now which I have not search for is where this device is located and what's involved in removing it to check for clogged ports.
I would sincerely appreciate any other things you know of that I might be able to check before driving it to a garage.
Thanks
Craig
Just the other day I came to a stop and my 2003 F150 4.6L starting sputtering like it was about out of fuel. Got home and connected my Code Reader to see what might be the issue. It came back with P0174/P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 2 and 1 respectively).
Well here are the things I've tried and or replaced up until this point:
- New tank of premium fuel with octane booster added
- Replaced PCV Valve
- Cleaned MAF Sensor which did not work so I replaced the MAF Sensor.
- Put in new air filter
I read somewhere about clogged EGR valve but up until now which I have not search for is where this device is located and what's involved in removing it to check for clogged ports.
I would sincerely appreciate any other things you know of that I might be able to check before driving it to a garage.
Thanks
Craig
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Ok after doing some more searching here and Google I found an article stating "The common faulty part is the rubber boot that connects the hose to the back of the intake." Well I followed the hose from the PCV valve to the intake at the rear top of the engine and there is the other elbow. As I felt the hose it seems that it has collapsed inward on the outside of the bend and on the inside of the bend was a hole. I'm not sure what this hose is called but it has MPC stamped on it. Is this a special item I'll need to get from Ford or will standard part stores carry this?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 747
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From: Pelahatchie, MS
These 2 codes seem to be a recurring theme. Too lean means either not enough fuel or too much air. It also has to be coming from somewhere that the PCM can't correct for it before the mixture enters the cylinder. It seems to be a routine problem with the 4.2L V6, and in the posts that I've read, a lot of people seem to focus on vacuum leaks, long and short term fuel trims (you'll need a proper scanner to check this, not just a code reader), faulty fuel injectors, clogged fuel filters, and the MAF. The PCV problem would fall under the vacuum leak category.
Not sure about the hose you're referring to, but can you get it off to measure and photo it? Then you could carry that info to the parts house and check availability....
Not sure about the hose you're referring to, but can you get it off to measure and photo it? Then you could carry that info to the parts house and check availability....
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
If you do a search on vacuum leak and one on the code numbers for this forum, you should find a ton of threads. This is discussed a lot. ( go to advanced search and limit it to this section of the forum to cut down the answers!)
A lot of the time, the answer seems to be little plastic elbows. If air gets in somewhere, and the MAF doesn't see it, you can get these codes.
A lot of the time, the answer seems to be little plastic elbows. If air gets in somewhere, and the MAF doesn't see it, you can get these codes.
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
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Ok after doing some more searching here and Google I found an article stating "The common faulty part is the rubber boot that connects the hose to the back of the intake." Well I followed the hose from the PCV valve to the intake at the rear top of the engine and there is the other elbow. As I felt the hose it seems that it has collapsed inward on the outside of the bend and on the inside of the bend was a hole. I'm not sure what this hose is called but it has MPC stamped on it. Is this a special item I'll need to get from Ford or will standard part stores carry this?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,762
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
The elbow is available by itself at Ford dealers under a Ford part number and at many auto parts stores under Dorman part number 46017. I bought one at O'Reilly's for $10.99 about 3 weeks ago for this exact fault. Replacing the elbow is a 5-10 minute job but you have to do it left-handed by touch.
More Information for DORMAN 46017
More Information for DORMAN 46017
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: uk
hi, i used the 90 degree boot of a spark plug lead that i had lying around and that was 2 years ago and still good. bokker.
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Thanks for all the replies. I finally went to Advanced Auto and got them to cut me a foot long 5/8 diameter hose since they only sell it by the foot and cut off what I needed. After installing it I found that the bend had collapsed just like the original so what I did was install about 9 inches of the remaining hose to make the radius larger and prevent the bend from collapsing and that did the trick!
Wish I had found that bit of advice at the start of this project on Friday.
Oh well live and learn.
Wish I had found that bit of advice at the start of this project on Friday.
Oh well live and learn.
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From: according to some of the
I have been fighting this problem for well over a year , even got tickets for the truck[ in NC you cant get tags with out passing inspection, cant pass inspection unless there are no lights on] i just ran out to the truck and looked down the tube from the Pcv valve and danged if it wasnt collapsed, im heading to Advanced after i get the kids from school
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