Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

I have a 1998 Ford F150 Triton V8. Deale
Sent to Car Experts June 13 11:51 AM

I have a 1998 Ford F150 Triton V8. Dealer stated Check Engine code 171 indicated need for a new PCV valve and replaced. I stated it had just recently been replaced and they stated that the new one was bad. So I paid to have them replace it.

Light came on again - had it read at my oil change shop, stated Code 171 means fuel too lean - nothing to do with PCV valve. What is the correct remedy for Code 171? Does it have anything to do with PCV valve? And if that's been changed anyway, what is the next step? Thanks

 

Optional Information:
1998 Ford F150 Triton V8

Already Tried:
Replaced PCV valve and hose x 2 at cost of $360 total ($180 each time at dealer). I can't afford to keep doing this.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $25
Answer
June 13 12:21 PM (30 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The first thing to do would be to watch the o2 sensor data with the scan tool see if it really a lean condition or if the sensor is bad. If you can not then check the engine over good for ant signs of a vacuum leak. If no leaks are found then I would clean the mass air flow sensor by taking it apart then spraying it with a parts cleaner. Let it dry completely before you plug it back in or it will be damaged. There are quite a few things that can cause this code but I have listed the most common.

PLEASE -Remember that your Expert will not be paid until you accept an answer and complete the process. Please leave "FEED BACK".
Picture
Danny -- Shop foreman -- 99% Positive Feedback on 331 Car Accepts
Senior Master Subaru, G.M.Cert.,Honda cert., Dodge Cert., Ford Cert., 2 ASE Master cert.15 yrs exp.
Reply
June 14 8:14 AM (19 hours and 52 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to Danny's Post: Danny,

Thank you for your response. If I understand your reply, they should have been looking at the O2 sensor instead of the PCV valve? And just for clarification, does the code have anything to do with the PCV valve in the first place?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 14 8:23 AM (8 minutes and 47 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
The only way it could have something to do with the pcv is if the valve came out of the engine or one of the numerous vacuum line has deteriorated. I usually find that a vacuum leak is the cause for this code or yes the o2 sensor reading incorrectly will set the code. The mass- air flow sensor can also cause the code, but usually causes for both banks.

PLEASE -Remember that your Expert will not be paid until you accept an answer and complete the process. Please leave "FEED BACK".
Picture
Danny -- Shop foreman -- 99% Positive Feedback on 331 Car Accepts
Senior Master Subaru, G.M.Cert.,Honda cert., Dodge Cert., Ford Cert., 2 ASE Master cert.15 yrs exp.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Car Repair