hello friends

i opened this thread to start discussions among auto experts on the meaning of error codes generated when a car is scanned. discussions cover what the codes mean generally (and for specific cars) and the solutions.

comments are welcome

thanks.

for enquiries, please contact me on
hardey1@live.com
07083943131

The first code am touching is P0134

It reads Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank I Sensor 1)

This code refers to the front oxygen sensor on Bank 1. Bank 1 is simply the engine side that has the first cylinder.

This code means the oxygen sensor in question is inactive.

The inactivity can be caused by a lot of reasons. These are highlighted below:

•faulty O2 (oxygen) sensor
•Bad heater circuit in the O2 sensor
•the wire connecting the sensor is damaged
•Blown heater circuit fuse
•Holes in the exhaust system
•ECU (Brainbox) failure. (This is usually the last option for all codes)


The effects of this code on the car are vast. These are
• The MIL (Check Engine) lamp is illuminated
• The engine does not work optimally
• Black smoke coming from the exhaust. This is usually not noticed but can be detected when a black sediment is left on the exhaust tail
• car ‘consumes’ fuel
• the car goes off…stalls
The solution:
The most common solution is to replace the faulty oxygen sensor.
However, before replacing the sensor, first check the following:
• Rusted exhaust pipe (check the connection to the manifold in the engine to detect if leaks are noticeable)
• Inspect wiring & connector(s) for problems
• Check heater fuse
• Replace ECU (only as last resort after all other possibilities are covered.

Today am treating two codes at the same time.

They are p0171 and p0174

P0171- System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0174- System Too Lean (Bank 2)

These two codes have the propensity of coming up at the same time.

As stated earlier, Bank 1 is the side of the engine with the Cylinder no. 1.

Either of these codes simply mean that an oxygen sensor in the affected bank detected a lean condition.

A lean condition occurs when there is too much oxygen in the exhaust. A rich condition is when there is too much un-burnt fuel in the exhaust. Either condition is not acceptable.

SYMPTOMS
Feeling that there is a slight lack of power
Recurring hesitation during acceleration

CAUSES
• Dirty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor
• Faulty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.
• Extremely dirty fuel filter
• Low fuel pressure
Mostly, the culprit is the dirty MAF Sensor.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
• Clean the MAF Sensor. A good auto technician should be able to do this. (note that I did not use the word ‘mechanic’ because most road side mechanics in Nigeria are not for this century. A lot cannot even identify an oxygen sensor!!!). Consult your service manual for its location if you need help. It's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling. It is very important that it is dry before reinstalling.
For more materials on cleaning the MAF Sensor, please refer to http://www.ehow.com/how_4773694_mass-air-flow-sensor-maf.html


• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

for more enquires, please mail us via
hardey1@live.com

call us on 07083943131

,

O

to the gentleman who just called as regards the brake lamp issue on honda accord 2000 model, i expected your mail. since am leaving the office, you can download the service bulletin that explains this issue at http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/accord/x03-078e.pdf

please read through carefully and follow the guidelines

call for more info