Hello!
You could have a bad mass air flow sensor. Or the snorkel from the mass air flow sensor to the throttle body could be ripped. Both are very common and can cause you vehicle to loose power along with many other drive ability issues. First look for cracks or rips or anywhere air can enter the engine that is not accounted for by the mass air flow sensor. Next comes the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This is a very important sensor input to the computer. It uses a hot wire sensing element to measure the amount of air entering the engine. The MAF sensor then outputs an analog voltage signal to the PCM proportional to the intake air mass. The PCM calculates the required fuel injector pulse width in order to provide the desired air/fuel ratio. If the sensor is bad than this air/fuel ratio will be off causing severe performance issues. In extreme cases, I have seen these two problems cause a no start condition. This input can also be used in determining transmission Electronic Pressure Control, shift and torque converter clutch scheduling. The check engine light may even pop on if the sensor is bad, the snorkel is ripped or a tube has fallen off. This will result in a lean condition.
ASE MASTER TECH
ADVANCED LEVEL SPECIALIST
Amedee,
We replaced the mass air flow sensor and check all the duct work for cracks or holes. Renewed air filter. Still get codes p0172 and p0175 after about 10 minutes oif driving. Maf sensor seems to have helped some.
Thankks,
Jim
Diagnostic Codes: P0172, P0175
Be sure the fuel injectors are ok. THis is a common cause that sill flag these codes.
Tests/Procedures:
1. There are 2 different 3.0L motors available this year, 1 is for regular gas and the other is for E-85 alcohol/gas. The injectors for the alcohol motor give 50-60% more fuel per command than the gas motor. Check the part numbers or colors of the injectors to see if they are correct. Replace fuel injectors as needed.
ALso, there is a PCM reflash for thses codes.
1. Ford has issued a couple of Special Service Messages (SSM) for Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reflashes for rich or lean adaptive fuel codes on 2001-2003 3.0L Flexible Fuel Rangers. If normal diagnostics don't reveal any problems,
Reflash the PCM, or have it reflashed, to the latest level.
Potential Causes: Power Control Module (PCM) Calibration Tips: The following is the most recent Ford SSM: XXXXX XXXX-2003 RANGER 3.0L FLEX FUEL - MIL ON WITH DTC P0171, P0172, P0174 OR P0175 SOME 2001-2003 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L FLEX FUEL ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0171 (SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1), P0172 (SYSTEM TOO RICH BANK 1), P0174 (SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 2) OR P0175 (SYSTEM TOO RICH BANK 2). DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS MAY OR MAY NOT BE PRESENT. TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE PCM WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATION AVAILABLE USING WDS RELEASE B30.6 OR HIGHER. CALIBRATION FILES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.MOTORCRAFT.COM
This engine is using unleaded gas so what color should the injectors be for this purpose and where or how do we reprogram the pcm. Is this a dealership thing. Maybe a auto zone rebuilt ecm would be cheaper.
Thanks,
Are you calling a reflash on the pcm a reprogram?
Sorry for the delay!
YES... this is must be done at the dealership and yes, this re flash is on the PCM. It will burn new parameters.
Reflash has to be the answer, cost $80 at a Ford dealer so we will give it a try. Is reflash a good idea on older cars if all mechanical functions are ok. Seems that a reflash needs to make sensors less sensitive because of normal wear and tear.
Thanks for the accept!
Let me know if you have any further questions!