O2 Sensor Codes, question

[MeeMo]

When I started driving Pud (92 L) I checked the codes and discovered an O2 code and an airflow code. I cleared them and sure enough, the airflow code was old and didn't come back.

The CEL comes on intermittently. Seems to come on at speeds at 60 and above most often. But it does go out. It was on longer when I first started driving it, but now 700 miles or so later (and some fresh gasoline for a change) the sensor is off for longer periods each time. But...

I checked the codes today and it is throwing a 15 and a 17. Both refer to the O2 senser, but both have diffrerent explanations.

15: Check the oxygen sensor circuit for an open or short circuit or a sensor malfunction.

OK, I get that. Makes sense. But this one's a bit more convoluded. Any help?

17: Check the fuel and ignition system performance (i.e. fuel pressure high or low, leaking fuel, a rich or lean condition, injectors,inoperative fuel injector, intake air leaks, ignition misfire, etc.)

It seems to drive, idle, run, and start fine. It does idle rougher when the CEL is on, but when it's off it's really smooth and normal. Could all of it be related to just a bad O2 sensor?

[MONSOON]

Come on MeeMo! I searched "engine codes 15 and 17" and found the following.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12087

and

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13894

Those 2 should have the answers you seek. :thumbup:

[MeeMo]

Come on MeeMo! I searched "engine codes 15 and 17" and found the following.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12087

and

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13894

Those 2 should have the answers you seek. :thumbup:

Right. I did see those, and I should have mentioned that. (I see the regular smackdowns of the non-searchers and hate to be one of the smack-ee's). I guess I was wondering more about whether the sensor could trip a 15 and a 17 and not be anything more serious than just the sensor itself. I think I should refrain from more wasted posts until the sensor is replaced.

[MONSOON]

Did you check and make sure that the wire is good shape and securely in place? Is it the old sensor?If so did you take it out and look at it? according to both of those of the sensor got any type of contaminents on it.It may throw codes.
Hate to see you buy something you may not really need.

[MeeMo]

The wire 'looks' OK, seems to be connected, etc. I haven't run any voltage checks yet. I don't have any receipts indicating that the sensor was replaced and it looks pretty old, so I don't know. I have not removed it yet for inspection.

[MeeMo]

Final update. Sensor replaced yesterday with universal Bosch replacement.

WOW!

Not only did it extinguish the CEL but it improved the idle (smoother), the acceleration (obvious performance increase), and I already noticed a smaller needle drop on the commute this morning. The difference is night and day.

As for the replacement procedure, I was definitely reluctant to replace it due to the horror stories on here about cutting wrenches, contorting your body, etc. But I found an easy way to do it. After moving the air intake hose out of the way I broke the body of the sensor off all the way down to the head and cut the wire since I needed to splice the new on on anyway. Then I was able to simply put a 7/8ths socket on it. Combined with my floor jack handle as a 4 foot breaker bar, it really didn't take much effort at all to bust it loose from the top once it was nice and hot. Then I cleaned the threads with a battery terminal cleaner and started the engine for a moment to blow out any remaining junk. As for installing the new sensor I just took off the grill and was able to get to it from the front of the car and maneuver a wrench on it to tighten it.

The old sensor was almost totally clogged with deposits in the form of white debris (soot? ash?) and compared to the new one it was plain to see where the CEL codes were coming from. Pud runs 100% better now. I am glad I did it. $18 very well spent.