Codes 171 & 174 too lean

kwas · #1 12-19-2003, 06:57 PM

Anyone else have this issue? Turns out it is very common. Ford has released a bulletin on it but has not recalled it. It is a defect that will cost you $600 plus. It is the o-rings and gaskets in fuel injection manifold and valve cover gasket.....go figure! If you had it repaired, save your receipt, maybe ford will finally own up and recall it.

Mthrgoos68 · #2 01-03-2004, 04:39 PM

I got the code 171 today at AutoZone, but not the 174. They told me that it meant that the engine just "hiccuped" and that it meant that there was probably condensation in the fuel. They told me to put a bottle of Heet in the gas tank and it should be fine. They also told me that the Engine Light should go off by itself now.

Does that sound right?

kwas · #3 01-03-2004, 08:21 PM

171 is the 1st bank running lean. If you have the 3.8 motor, I am pretty sure it is the beginning of the leaks that cause the 174 code (other side) gaskets and seals to fail. Ford has never been able to make the 3.8 motor work! The good news is they are aware of it and have a service bulletin out on it. It probably will cost between 6-8 hundred, again assuming you have the 3.8 and it is a couple of years old. Save your receipt, maybe one day Ford will own up to their mistakes on the 3.8 and if they do a recall they will reimburse you. As far as the heat, I am pretty sure you just wasted the money!

SPCFan · #4 02-02-2004, 08:53 PM

Can y ou tell me what the Tech Service Bulletin number is for this?

lewisnc100 · #5 02-03-2004, 07:13 AM

The TSB is for the 99-2003 model years, not sure what year everyone has. From other posts on cartrackers.com it looks like Ford is starting to cover some of the repairs making people pay for parts only. Not sure how widespread this is or if it could have been a dealer's good will to a customer. Here's a couple of links:

http://www.cartrackers.com/Forums/li...star/1462.html

http://www.cartrackers.com/Forums/li...star/1499.html

I don't think the TSB links work anymore but the number is 03-16-1 dated 08/18/03.

The TSB has nothing to do with the injectors, it involves changing the valve cover on 99-00 models with the old baffle design, inspecting and replacing if required the vacuum line from the intake manifold to the fuel pressure regulator, removing the upper intake to clean everything including the EGR orifices, replace the isolator bolts on the manifold and perform a PCM update. The part numbers for the TSB are:

XF2Z-9H486-AA Port Seal-Package of 6(1 Pkg Req. Per Veh)
3F2Z-9S479-AA Isolator Bolt Assy. - Package of 8 (1 Pkg Req. Per Veh)
XF2Z-9E498-DD Vacuum Line
3F2Z-6582-BA Valve Cover - LH

iam4uf · #6 02-18-2004, 03:37 PM

I went to Ford and they stated they wouldnt cover anyof the costs. Does anyone think this is a safety issue? How can I get at least soem of this covered by Ford. Would it help to call Customer no service?

iam4uf · #7 02-18-2004, 03:38 PM

I am getting the 171 and 174. Van is starting to miss allot when cold.

lewisnc100 · #8 02-18-2004, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iam4uf

I went to Ford and they stated they wouldnt cover anyof the costs. Does anyone think this is a safety issue? How can I get at least soem of this covered by Ford. Would it help to call Customer no service?

Check at cartrackers.com, there have been some recent posts where someone got this fixed for the cost of the parts only, which are pretty cheap. There's also many posts on doing the repair yourself which isn't that difficult. Make sure you get a full copy of the TSB before going to the dealer, they tend to hold off a little on the BS when you have the specifics right in front of them. Calling Ford customer service wouldn't hurt either. Then there is always the route of getting the service done, marking "under protest" on the documentation when you pay, and sue since this is a defect. I'm betting that it will never get to court before they offer you a good settlement.

iam4uf · #9 02-23-2004, 11:51 AM

I called Customer no-service and they stated that my van isnt under warrenty and that they wont cover any of the cost. I am think of doing the work my self. Anyone done the work? It says on the TSB that the PCM needs to be calibrated with the latest release. I will have to take to Ford to do that? Also, I have verified I do have the old Valve cover does that mean I need to replaces both Valve covers, front and back?

iam4uf · #10 02-23-2004, 12:14 PM

I have read that these 171 and 174 codes that I got from Autozone are pretty generic codes and can be allot of things. I think I will take to Ford to get an exact estimate of what the problem is. Maybe I can find a garage that can give me a good estimate.

lewisnc100 · #11 02-23-2004, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iam4uf

I called Customer no-service and they stated that my van isnt under warrenty and that they wont cover any of the cost. I am think of doing the work my self. Anyone done the work? It says on the TSB that the PCM needs to be calibrated with the latest release. I will have to take to Ford to do that? Also, I have verified I do have the old Valve cover does that mean I need to replaces both Valve covers, front and back?

Sorry you didn't have any luck, the links I sent to cartrackers.com has several posters that have done the fix. Doesn't sound difficult and the parts should be $100 or less. The only valve cover that needs to be replaced is the LH or front valve cover, about $60 including tax at the dealer. Before the new year you could find them cheaper but now they have really gone up in price, Ford is learning that their defects can be real money makers. The PCM calibration is to prevent pinging after the deposits have built up, if you aren't having pinging then I wouldn't worry about that for now. Make sure you have a good torque wrench and follow the tightening sequence closely and everything looks pretty straightforward. Good luck and take pics if you can.

iam4uf · #12 02-24-2004, 09:50 AM

So, for anyone who has done the work themselves. What do you do exactly. Replace the front vavle cover and the vacuum hose. I am by no means a mechanic but seems to be pretty easy to do the work yourself. Would a Haynes book help with this?

iam4uf · #13 02-24-2004, 05:45 PM

Alright everyone. I went to Ford and spoke with the head mechanic. Of course, he was very familiar with the 171 and 174. He told me not to replace the Valve cover that Ford just recommends it. He said that the only difference is the hole where the PCV vavle goes is different. He said replacing would have nothing to do with the code and the vehicle not running good. He told me I only needed to replace the Bolts and of course the seals. I cant believe the bolts were $6 each, $48 for just the bolts and another $17 for the Seals. he also printed me out the instructions on how to remove intake manifold. I am going to do the work tomorrow, ill let you know how it turns out.

lewisnc100 · #14 02-25-2004, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iam4uf

Alright everyone. I went to Ford and spoke with the head mechanic. Of course, he was very familiar with the 171 and 174. He told me not to replace the Valve cover that Ford just recommends it. He said that the only difference is the hole where the PCV vavle goes is different. He said replacing would have nothing to do with the code and the vehicle not running good. He told me I only needed to replace the Bolts and of course the seals. I cant believe the bolts were $6 each, $48 for just the bolts and another $17 for the Seals. he also printed me out the instructions on how to remove intake manifold. I am going to do the work tomorrow, ill let you know how it turns out.

Although I agree that the improved valve cover does not eliminate the oil in the intake problem, it does reduce it. That's why I plan on replacing mine especially since the TSB is very specific about needing to replace it (quote from TSB "VALVE COVERS FITTING THIS DESCRIPTION MUST BE REPLACED"). The cause of the P0171 and P0174 problems is caused by the oil getting into the intake and being absorbed by the rubber grommets on the bolts. That's why they have a redesigned bolt, by the way verify that the bolts they gave you had green grommets on them and not black. Unfortunately they kept the same item number even though they are different. So with the improved bolts and new seal you probably won't see the leak again, but by not reducing the oil going into the intake you may see the clogged EGR ports and deposits in the combustion chambers sooner than with the improved valve cover which could lead to pinging. Good luck with the repairs and please post back with any hints.

rodeo02 · #15 02-25-2004, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewisnc100

...The cause of the P0171 and P0174 problems is caused by the oil getting into the intake and being absorbed by the rubber grommets on the bolts. That's why they have a redesigned bolt, by the way verify that the bolts they gave you had green grommets on them and not black. Unfortunately they kept the same item number even though they are different. So with the improved bolts and new seal you probably won't see the leak again, but by not reducing the oil going into the intake you may see the clogged EGR ports and deposits in the combustion chambers sooner than with the improved valve cover which could lead to pinging. Good luck with the repairs and please post back with any hints.

Thanks Lewis, that's the best explaination of that issue yet! Now I understand the "LH valve cover replacement" thing. Is there a model year ford rectified this?
THANKS!
Joel

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD