1997 escort error code p1131

[krisescort97]

My car has lost power. The engine seems bogged down and it has a significant sputter when accelerating and acts like it wants to die when idle. I am getting error code P1131. AutoZone did not give me any info on the code. I have changed the plugs and wires. I have been told this might be o2 sensors but after reading other stuff here, it looks like maybe a vacuum leak? Please help. I am not sure where to start at diagnosing this issue.

Thanks!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

My car has lost power. I am getting error code P1131. AutoZone did not give me any info on the code. I have changed the plugs and wires. I have been told this might be o2 sensors but after reading other stuff here, it looks like maybe a vacuum leak? Please help. I am not sure where to start at diagnosing this issue.

Thanks!

P1131FordLack Of HO2S11 Switches - Sensor Indicates Lean

I would remove the 02 sensor before the catalytic converter and see if you power is back to normal. Also check the sensor for proper function, replace if it has a lot of miles on vehicle.

You may have a clogged converter.

[krisescort97]

Thank you for the start. I will test that and let you know if that fixes the issue. I was talking to my husband today and he told me that the car threw a code, something about cylinder 1 misfiring. Sorry, I don't have the code. Could both codes be the same problem?

Thanks Kristie

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

Thank you for the start. I will test that and let you know if that fixes the issue. I was talking to my husband today and he told me that the car threw a code, something about cylinder 1 misfiring. Sorry, I don't have the code. Could both codes be the same problem?

Thanks Kristie

P0301 would be a #1 clyinder misfire code. Was this code also present with the P1131 code.

Has the loss of power shown up since the plug and wires replacement???What brand spark plugs were installled??? Checckthe coill to make sure it is not faulty. ALso look for a vacuum leak.

[krisescort97]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

P0301 would be a #1 clyinder misfire code. Was this code also present with the P1131 code.

Has the loss of power shown up since the plug and wires replacement???What brand spark plugs were installled??? Checckthe coill to make sure it is not faulty. ALso look for a vacuum leak.

Yes Both codes were present. the P1131 and P0135 The loss of power continued after plug and wire replacement. I am not sure on the brand, box was thrown out already. I will post updates hopefully tomorrow or on Friday.
?? What is the best way to check for a vacuum leak??
Thanks again for help and suggestions!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

Yes Both codes were present. The loss of power continued after plug and wire replacement. I am not sure on the brand, box was thrown out already. I will post updates hopefully tomorrow or on Friday.
?? What is the best way to check for a vacuum leak??
Thanks again for help and suggestions!

Have you tried removing #1 plug wire while engine is running to see if there is a difference in engine operation?? To check for vacuum leak you can us carb cleaner or propane, spraying all the hoses and around intake manifold, if you get a increease in idle rpm you found your leak. Another way is to use smoke, here is a video using a cigar for the smoke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMok2...pNSfOnSMYmnUsP

http://www.realfixesrealfast.com/rea...%26_P0174.html

[krisescort97]

Today we checked for vacuum leak using carb cleaner, did not find one. We changed the fuel filter and that seem to help a tiny bit, but still feeling a significant sputter when accelerating. We disconnected the 02 sensor b4 the Cat Conv and no difference, we then dissconnect the 02 sensor after the Cat Conv and still no difference. We cleared error codes and drove about 20 miles and it threw 2 codes, same as b4 P1131 and P0135. We took off the ingnition coil to be tested tomorrow. This is baffeling, More suggestions? anyone anyone?
Thanks so much!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

Today we checked for vacuum leak using carb cleaner, did not find one. We changed the fuel filter and that seem to help a tiny bit, but still feeling a significant sputter when accelerating. We disconnected the 02 sensor b4 the Cat Conv and no difference, we then dissconnect the 02 sensor after the Cat Conv and still no difference. We cleared error codes and drove about 20 miles and it threw 2 codes, same as b4 P1131 and P0135. We took off the ingnition coil to be tested tomorrow. This is baffeling, More suggestions? anyone anyone?
Thanks so much!

Have you checked fuel pressure?? Have you cleaned the MAF???

Just reread your last post and you say that the sensors were disconnected, are you meaning that you disconnected the wiring plugs frrom the wiring harness or that you completely removed the pre-cat sensor from the exhaust pipe and tried driving the vehicle to check for increeae of power??

[krisescort97]

We just disconnected the plug wires. Haven't checked fuel pressure. Going to clean MAF now and test coil pack. We are also going to unscrew the pre cat 02 sensor to see if power increases. Will repost in a bit.
Thanks

[krisescort97]

update. We replaced air filter and cleaned the MAF, nothing changed. We tested the ing coil while hot and the reading was .002 so that should be good. We also added some fuel injector cleaner just for kicks, no change there either.

Anyone have any suggestions where to go from here or what part to replace first? I have heard and read a few places that the ing coil might still be bad if they test good....

HELP!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

update. We replaced air filter and cleaned the MAF, nothing changed. We tested the ing coil while hot and the reading was .002 so that should be good. We also added some fuel injector cleaner just for kicks, no change there either.

Anyone have any suggestions where to go from here or what part to replace first? I have heard and read a few places that the ing coil might still be bad if they test good....

HELP!

What is the fuel pressure??? Did removing the pre cat oxygen sensor heelp???

[GTP Dad]

Did you change the Upstream O2 sensor. It is possible that the sensor is bad and not sending proper signals to the computer and therefore not giving the proper signals to the computer thus the decrease in power. Also did you do a compression test?

[krisescort97]

Ok, so replaced the upstream 02 sensor no difference. So we unplugged the #1 plug and it did not change the rpms either...... I don't think that is a good thing is it? Now what?

[krisescort97]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Did you change the Upstream O2 sensor. It is possible that the sensor is bad and not sending proper signals to the computer and therefore not giving the proper signals to the computer thus the decrease in power. Also did you do a compression test?

I just posted update. What do u think? Could it be the ignition coil?

[krisescort97]

Originally Posted by krisescort97

I just posted update. What do u think? Could it be the ignition coil?

We did a compression test and all 4 plugs read 110. I only did half throttle, i didn't know I was suppose to floor it.