flex fuel sensor
#1
flex fuel sensor
hey guys, i have a 2001 ranger 3.0 liter 2wd flex fuel with 206k miles and its been getting really terrible milage (10-11)mpg. ive done a full tune up, cleaned the IAC, and MAF and still nothing. I called up the ford dealership and they said they have had 7000 or so complaints about rangers having bad gas milage. Suposevly the problem is the flex fuel sensor, they tell me it is under the driver seat on the frame rail.. well that is Bs me and my boss that has 20 years of mechanic experience cannot find the stinkin thing. Anybody ever dealt with this sensor before?
#2
i have a 99 flex as well and have not gotten good mileage lately like i used to. did a quick search. it said drivers side of transmission cross member.
just read an older post...and it said its rare for this part to fail and that its 650 bucks to replace and its on the fuel rail
just read an older post...and it said its rare for this part to fail and that its 650 bucks to replace and its on the fuel rail
Last edited by Kris03; 12-25-2011 at 08:33 PM.
#4
FLEX FUEL SENSOR
My parts catalog shows the illustration as being on the driver side frame rail. In front of the fuel filter. Catalog shows it fits 2000 and up of course with the flex fuel 3.0l. Also fits 96 and up taurus agian obviously with the 3.0l flex. I show it sells for $661.46. We used to sell some to taurus' but don't recall selling to many to rangers. Been here 21 years. But I've been here long enough to start forgetting somethings.
#5
well, There is no sign of this sensor i have checked everything in the area it was said to be. Short of using x-ray vision i don't think there is one. Any ideas why my beautiful ranger only gets 11mpg :(. The tune up and everything is recent ive cleaned all the recommended sensors i seem to be lost on this one.
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#7
I recall reading that the flex fuel engines always get worse fuel mileage than the non-flex.The flex fuel also uses higher flow rate fuel injectors.
IMHO the higher flow injectors , along with their age , may be getting worn and/or weak. They are not responding as fast when closing and thereby allowing more fuel through than fresh injectors would.
The PCM may not throw a rich code as it senses the fuel mixture is at it's limit , but not gone over it.
Question for those with more resources to check:
Can non-flex fuel injectors replace the flex injectors directly ? Or will the PCM notice the difference ?
IMHO the higher flow injectors , along with their age , may be getting worn and/or weak. They are not responding as fast when closing and thereby allowing more fuel through than fresh injectors would.
The PCM may not throw a rich code as it senses the fuel mixture is at it's limit , but not gone over it.
Question for those with more resources to check:
Can non-flex fuel injectors replace the flex injectors directly ? Or will the PCM notice the difference ?
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#22
How does it run? Dont quote me, but Im pretty sure all that sensor does is let the ecm know if 87 or e85 is coming down the pipeline. If your running like **** w/ crazy knocking, you may be on the right track. Otherwise, the dealer may still be a good idea, but parts may be cheaper than you think.
#23
Kyle,
With 206K on the truck have you done a cylinder compression test?
As for the sensor, once you locate it, check the connections both at the sensor and under the drivers seat were the chassis wiring comes into the cab for corroded terminals.
Another thing you could try is replacing the fuel filter and then running a fuel additive designed to clean the system and injectors through a couple of tank fill ups. I’d double the dose during the first fill up. Try tapping the flex sensor with the end of a plastic screwdriver handle a couple times throughout this event.
Another option is to purchase a flex fuel sensor replicator like the one from Point A Engineering for around $150.00 dollars Click Link Point A Engineering Note, I don't know anything about this company nor endorse their products.
If you’re familiar with electronics and want to know a little more about the operation of this sensor, there is a discussion on it at this link flex-fuel-sensor-technical-info
With 206K on the truck have you done a cylinder compression test?
As for the sensor, once you locate it, check the connections both at the sensor and under the drivers seat were the chassis wiring comes into the cab for corroded terminals.
Another thing you could try is replacing the fuel filter and then running a fuel additive designed to clean the system and injectors through a couple of tank fill ups. I’d double the dose during the first fill up. Try tapping the flex sensor with the end of a plastic screwdriver handle a couple times throughout this event.
Another option is to purchase a flex fuel sensor replicator like the one from Point A Engineering for around $150.00 dollars Click Link Point A Engineering Note, I don't know anything about this company nor endorse their products.
If you’re familiar with electronics and want to know a little more about the operation of this sensor, there is a discussion on it at this link flex-fuel-sensor-technical-info
Last edited by Rev; 01-15-2012 at 03:59 PM.
#24