My 2002 Ranger 3.0 liter has the “check engine light “ on. So far my mechanic has 1) changed the MAF sensor 2j cleaned the throttle body 3) changed the manifold gaskets and 4) put on a new fuel filter (today). Before I got home the light came back on. The diagnostic code says lean on banks 1 and 2. Any help would be immensely appreciated!

 

Well.. any chance you can post the actual codes? Right now, I'm inclined to say maybe the O2 sensors, especially if they are over 10 years old or have a gazillion miles on them. A little maintenance history would give readers a little insight. Such as, how often you change oil or if you use fuel system cleaners and so on. Welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks Grumpa. The code I got was from a friends little diagnostic computer that just said “ lean on bank 1 and 2”. I have oil changed regularly, do not use additives. The truck is 20 years old but only has 102k miles on it. I would think the Tires Plus diagnosis computer would throw a code for the sensors but as you can probably tell I’m not much of a mechanic.

 

And thanks for the quick reply and the friendly welcome!

 

A lean condition can be caused by so many issues, so it is difficult to pin-point an exact cause. You are correct that O2 sensors have their own codes, but the computer may not throw them if a defined threshold has not been reached. What is telling is that both banks are running lean, so it starts to rule out a "one sided" type issue. How does the PVC hose look? Mine was torn and collapsing when I bought the truck and it threw lean codes. The air filter box may not be closed properly. The purge value could be stuck open. And yes, an oxygen sensor(s) could be faulty. Unfortunately, these non-specific codes can be a bloody PITA since so many things affect your A/F mixture. How does it run overall? Does the CEL flash at all?

 

Thanks. You are so right about the PITA. Been to the shop 5 times now. Runs ok. I’ll check pvc hose and air box but I would think the mechanic would have checked those. The light resets, runs for a while then comes back on. So frustrating!

 

Wecome to the forum

You can buy a Bluetooth OBD2 reader for under $20
Works on ANY VEHICLE 1996 and up, its a LAW, car makers have to comply, so not a Ranger or even Ford device, works on ALL 1996 and up vehicles, good tool to have

It works with either android or apple smart phones, APPS are free, or $5 for more advanced APP, which most never need

You need EXACT codes, have a look here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...trouble_codes/
This is a PARTIAL LIST, not even a complete list, lol
This is why you need exact codes, "lean on 1 and 2" is a good start
Any OBD2 reader that does not show code numbers will be less than useless, lol, because then you are just guess and not the same same as having no codes, its worst because you think its "lean on 1 and 2" and may be something different

 

Thanks Ron. Unfortunately even with the precise codes I would be helpless because of my limited knowledge of mechanics. I may get one anyway for future problems since it’s so inexpensive.

 

Exact code will help you AND others determine where to start looking for the reason the code was set, so its not just for you

 

I agree with Ron, the codes can help us too in narrowing your gremlin down. And I would not always trust technicians to look at basic issues. I had one chap in my old shop that leapt to some of the most absurd ideas before checking simple items in a diag: hoses, connectors, fluids, user settings, etc. That's why we have pin-point tests

 

Hi my check engine light go on when I'm stop and ideling I'm confused my ranger drive great with the check engine light on and I also get a code for misfie cylinder 6 I've changed out spark plugs spark wire a coil fuel injecter fuel filter air control 02 sensor mass air sensor valve gaskets I'm not sure what more to do any suggestions please I'm not sure how to fix this issue. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

Anytime you have a misfire you should do a Compression test FIRST, that will take Mechanical issue off the table, or tell you it IS a mechanical issue so don't waste time and money on other things

Nothing wrong with new spark plugs, wires, coil and injectors, its your time and money
But time to do compression test now

 

rickbrew, check your injectors. I had a misfire on one of the cylinders and it turned out to be the injector on that cylinder. With age although you don't have a lot of miles your injectors are most likely due for service. I removed and numbered them all and sent them out for service. When I got them back all cleaned and balanced I saw that the one with a misfire and lean was an injector that was not firing. The truck was transformed after the injector service, it was more responsive and got better mileage. I highly recommend an injector service.