rjmac61

I drive a 95 T-Bird w/4.6L and have been having a problem for the last month or so with the Check Engine light coming on. The stored codes are 171 & 174 -- fuel trim system lean condition for both banks. I thought perhaps the injectors were dirty and ran a couple bottles of cleaner through the fuel system, but to no avail. I finally succumbed and took my car to the dealer, where they diagnosed a faulty mass airflow sensor with a $500 estimate to fix. Since they didn't have one in stock, I'm now researching my options to repair this problem to see if there's a more reasonable alternate to biting the bullet. Any suggestions out there? Thanks in advance for your help.

LunaticSVT

The oxygen sensor on the right side is going out or is dead.

I would replace your O2 sensor first. On average they run 40 - 90 depending on the brand used.

LunaticSVT

EEC IV Diagnostic Codes for Thunderbird & Cougar 1989-1997

Code 171: Oxygen sensor unable to switch, right side

Code 174: Oxygen sensor switching slow, right side

Just so you know.

Jase_ELXR8

Those codes (as lunatic has stated) are to do with the oxy sensor on the right bank. If it was your MAF you should see the condition on both banks. How many K's has the car done??? Keeping in mind that oxy sensors are only good for 80,000Kms then they start to deteriorate. I would change all oxy sensors and clean hotwire on the MAF and you should be running as good as new...