Error codes

[on the hill]

1996 Windstar 3.8 litre

Got the error codes read at Auto Zone for the upcomming emmisions test and had the following problems:

P01538
P01537
P0300
P0153
P0141

Can anyone tell me what these are and what to do to fix them?
I am pretty sure some of them are oxygen sensors but which ones?

Appreciate any reply.

[MT-2500]

http://www.troublecodes.net/OBD2/
Clear codes and see what comes back first.
1538-1537 indicate a problem with IMRC stuck open.
300 engine miss
153 and 154 are fuel control/02 sensor reading off.
That could be caused by the IMRC stuck open.

[MT-2500]

http://www.troublecodes.net/OBD2/
Clear codes and see what comes back first.
1538-1537 indicate a problem with IMRC stuck open.
300 engine miss
153 and 154 are fuel control/02 sensor reading off.
That could be caused by the IMRC stuck open.

[badwindstar]

Located the irmc actuators and tested the vaccum lines while idling. The most forward one had vaccum while the back one did not. The lever on the actuators were on the stop set screws. Which way is all the way open on these actuators, when the lever is against the stop or the other way when it is all the way off of it? Any help is appreciated.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by badwindstar

Located the irmc actuators and tested the vaccum lines while idling. The most forward one had vaccum while the back one did not. The lever on the actuators were on the stop set screws. Which way is all the way open on these actuators, when the lever is against the stop or the other way when it is all the way off of it? Any help is appreciated.

Are you On the hill that first posted for error codes?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by on the hill

1996 Windstar 3.8 litre

Got the error codes read at Auto Zone for the upcomming emmisions test and had the following problems:

P01538
P01537
P0300
P0153
P0141

Can anyone tell me what these are and what to do to fix them?
I am pretty sure some of them are oxygen sensors but which ones?

Appreciate any reply.

After clearing the code if 1537 or1538 return
Here is some info but you are going to need a good eng capable scanner to get into it. Go thrw the link and post back what you find.
http://members.troublecodes.net/crunch/153738.pdf

[wiswind]

The IMRC actuators are OPEN with the engine OFF.
They close when the engine is started....which is when they get vaccum.
They will open again above about 2900 rpm.
I don't recommed testing the 2900 open in the driveway.....you can test the close function by just starting the car......and the open function can be tested by turning the engine OFF.
Common cause for failure is a vaccum leak in one of the actuators.
Verify that the vaccum lines to them are good.....as the actuators are expensive.
For a good price on the actuators. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214072

P1537 is Bank #1 stuck open (IMRC)
P1538 is Bank #2 stuck open.
If you have a vaccum leak in one of the actuators.....it can cause the other one to not close due to the reduced vaccum.

P0141 is downstream oxygen sensor bank #1 HEATER circuit malfunction.
Carefully check the wiring to the rear most sensor.....this is after the rear most catalytic converter. Follow the wires forward and make sure that they are not resting on the exhaust....or frayed. A multimeter might help you in verification of continuity. You can get a digital mutimeter pretty cheap.....
On my '96....it was mounted into the rear portion of the catalytic converter....and the mounting ring came right out of the catalytic converter body.......fortunately I was going to change the converters anyhow due to loose and rattling inside them.
Bank #1 connects to the rear most bank of cylinders....
Bank #1 is the bank that has Cylinder #1.

P0153 is upstream oxygen sensor bank #2 slow response (could be defective sensor).....check for green stain on sensor......which would be a sign of antifreeze. Antifreeze can damage the new sensor.
If you have the green stain, a likely cause on '96 and newer is the lower intake manifold gaskets. Causes coolant to leak into the intake....
But don't panic.......just something to check for.
This sensor is before the forward most catalytic converter.
Connects to the front bank of cylinders.

P0300 is RANDOM misfire, not specific to any 1 cylinder.

I do not think that you would pass the emission test at this point.

For the "upstream" sensors....I would replace both upstream sensors so that you have a matched pair. I bought Motorcraft brand at www.rockauto.com

As I mentioned be VERY carefull with the rear most sensor as the metal that it mounts into is very thin. Which is how the ring that the sensor screws into came right out with very little pressure.

You can get a "oxygen sensor socket" at autozone, which will make removing the sensors easier. I soaked them with penetrating oil (such as PBlaster or Seafoam) for several hours before working on them.......when COLD.