check engine and airbag light is on AGAIN =(

hello,
My name is john. I have a 1999 mercury mountaineer. My check engine light is on once again. It came on about a month ago. When i put my truck onto a code reader i kept getting the same code. 174 Fuel Mixture Too Lean... I cleaned off the MAF and the problem went away. has anyone had this problem and is there any advise that anyone can give me? im about ready to take a maltof cocktale to the thing.

Also, i have an airbag light on. when its really cold out its on but when it warms up it goes away. is there anyway that i can get it fixed. is there any recalls for this?
thanks in advance,
JR

Wow, a check engine light that hasn't cost you anything yet and an airbag light that hasn't been diagnosed and you're ready to trash the Mountaineer!?! I'm not sure you'll be satisfied with any vehicle.

Anyway, a couple of tips. When posting for help, please provide the details about the vehicle. Year is good, but we'll also need to know the engine that you have (4.0L SOHC V-6, V-8?). As for the code, I suspect you have a P0174 code rather than just a 174. Yes, the P0 prefix can be important.

Have you verified there are no vacuum leaks, made sure the air intake hose is properly connected an secure, checked the PCV system for cracks or collapsed hoses, checked the coolant temperature sensor? Cleaning the MAF was a good start.

For the airbag light, next time it comes on, for the first 60 seconds or so, it should flash out a code. For instance, "flash, flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash, flash" would indicated a code 34 --> 3 flashes in the 10's position, pause designating switch to ones position, 4 flashes in ones position. Chances are good you have a clockspring that is intermittant. Not all that uncommon, and not all that expensive to fix relative to most expenses on a modern vehicle. But, to help you narrow that down, we'll need to know what code is being flashed out.

-Rod

ok, here is what is going on. When i first start my truck my engine light come on and it idles good and fine. But once the engine gets warm it starts to run really rough. The idle is not consistant. it idles down and then back to regular. it keeps doing that i dont know what it is. I was wondering if it had something to do with the IAC valve or the PCV valve. I think that the MAF is good but im not sure. The engine does the fluctuating even while im driving mostly between the speeds of 25 and 55MPH. As for the air bag i am getting a code 37. I have no clue where to go to see what that is or how to fix it. any links would help and that would be great.
thanks again,
John
PS i am getting code PO175

BTW... the engine is a 4.0L

Sounds like you might have a vacuum leak causing the roughness. Check the integrity of the vacuum hoses, the PCV valve, and the air intake tube. Make sure the air intake tube is properly installed and the hose clamps are snug.

In the past, the 4.0L in the Explorer had issues with leaking intake manifold gaskets. I believe they had the bugs worked out by 1999, but you could still have an issue with the intake manifold gasket.

One easy way to check for a vacuum leak is to use throttle body or carb and choke cleaner. Put on safety glasses, start the engine, and spray the cleaner along the vacuum lines, air intake tube, and around the edges of the intake manifold. If you find a spot where, when the cleaner is sprayed, the engine changes idle speed, you've probably found a leak. Spray the area a couple of times to make sure it is repeatable, then inspect and repair the leak. Continue around the rest of the areas to be sure there is only one problem.

As for the air bag system lamp fault code 37, that indicates a problem with the passenger side airbag system. It will take a professional scan tool to determine which of the three possibly issues the airbag computer is reporting (shorted to V+, shorted to ground, or high resistance). The problem could be as simple as an unplugged connector or damaged wire due to a seat track pinching it.

-Rod

ok ill work on doing that. Im not sure though. I still owe about 10,600 on the thing. I think that im gonna just cut my losses and trade it in somewhere. I know that i wont get much for it but i think that i really need a new car. There is just one problem after another ever since i hit 130000. :disappoin

Ouch!

-Rod