Check engine light on, know the trouble codes...
 

Ok... so out of no where today, my check engine light came on. I swung into autozone and they pulled the codes for me....

P0174 (Fuel system for bank 2 too lean)

P0171 (Fuel system for bank 1 too lean)

They gave me a list of a few things it could be, but im thinking it might very well be the MAF (it was on the list). I have had problems getting it started sometimes, have to give it gas, or it takes a second to get itself running right. Also noticed carbon on my exhaust tips, nothing like a ring of black around the edge. Are my thoughts right? or could it be an 02 sensor or something easy. If its something easy to fix i'll do it myself, if its the MAF, i'll take it in, have ford fix it, and pay my 100 dollar warranty deductible.

-Brad

Here are a few common causes:

leak between the MAF and the throttle body;
leak in the PCV system, especially the hose elbow;
leaking intake manifold gaskets or any other vacuum leak.


Less likely but possible:

dirty MAF;
low fuel pump pressure/clogged fuel filter/dirty injectors;
"lazy" oxygen sensors (the front ones).

Ima guess PCV hose is kinked or has a hole in it. MAF can be cleaned with electronic cleaner or brake clean (the non chlorinated kind). I would also listen for vac leaks under the hood.

Bob has it nailed down.

I did have a road trip in the lightning once. Got a CEL and I pulled the codes. Exact same.. lean on both banks. Turned out to be some lint/fuzz on the MAF wire. Cleaned it and I was fine.

Rich

Im going to check the MAF either tomorrow or monday, its been running fine so i wasn't to worried about it (i work a lot... and go to college) i do have a problem at start up (it wants to die all the time if its been sitting for a while) im guessin thats the IAC valve, its been going on for a while now, month or so before the CEL came on. Thanks guys.

-Brad