Error 45 driving me nuts!

[donfbcocala]

Hello wise ones!
92 RS 3.1 V6

I have run through all sorts of error codes and I fixed each one along the way. I am now hung up on an error 45. Rich mixture. I can hear it starving for air when I nail the accelerator. I ran the codes and got the 45. It's the only code I am now getting. Local auto parts store said replace the 02 sensor. I bought it but I got to thinking and have stopped short of putting it in; if the 02 sensor is sending me an error code which seems to indicate the problem that I can see and hear, is it actually faulty?
Along the way I have replaced the EGR valve alredy and fixed a couple of vacuum lines that were off (I just bought it). Everything else on the car is excellent.
It's just dying when I hit the gas, especially when it's cold, and when the a/c is on it really wants to die. Once it stalls (if it stalls) it's a booger to get fired again -like it's flooded.
I thought about the MAF sensor but cannot seem to locate it. Online parts stores tell me it's unavailable for my car. ???

[ct91rs]

"if the 02 sensor is sending me an error code which seems to indicate the problem that I can see and hear, is it actually faulty?"

Good question, unfortunately it's hard to say. the O2 could be faulty, and therefore giving a false "rich condition" reading. It could also be correctly reading a "rich condition", as you have questioned. O2's can be tested, but it's not a simple task. As long as it didn't cost too much, I'd put it on and see what happens, since you'll eventually replace it anyway.

[Morley]

O2 sensors cost $20, a cheap troubleshooting step...better than replacing a $500 MAF sensor.

[wrightz28]

Most of the time I see a bad o2 it gives a constant lean condition, seems weird but, if the sensor head is encrusted with carbon, it can't read the exhaust stream, thus it sees lean.

Did you pull your plugs to verify you indeed running rich enough to flood, probably be a good idea if tis a pita to restart.

[donfbcocala]

Thanks guys, I will change to o2 sensor as soon as I can get the time to crawl under.

I pulled the plugs when the trouble first started and there was a small amount of build-up. Not much.

Oddly, she's been running better since the post but it might just be coincidence. Surely simply posting on this web board does not affect performance --maybe it does

Thanks again for the input. I will let you all know what difference the o2 sensor makes.
I appreciate you guys!

[donfbcocala]

OK,
Now I am getting two new codes:

22 -TPS (Volts Low)

33 -MAP (Volts High/VAC Low)

Are these both bad or am I just chasing ghosts???????

I am also still getting the useless 45.


This is turning my hair grey and I am only 33.

Symtoms are unchanged:
*Extremely cold blooded and floods when cold.

*Runs fine when warm until you hammer the throttle then she dogs out like a 4 banger. Once the carbon blows out the exhaust she takes off just like she outta.

[wrightz28]

I'd have to say you might have knocked something loose digging around in there. Probably a vacuum line.

Sorry to leave you hanging for so long, it's been a rought weekend.