i keep getting a lean code


Rob Ferretti

Well-known member
May 2, 2006
55
NYC area
i keep getting a lean code in the computer, only mod is the ford racing long tube headers and exhaust. Do I need a tune? if so where should I get it from?
 

nota4re

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 15, 2006
4,281
Rob,

This is a very serious error code and I will really advise against running the car until you get it resolved. The car only uses its O2 sensors in closed-loop mode ("normal", non-aggressive driving), and it is constantly seeking stoichiometric (14.7:1). The ECU has a very reasonable amount of "play" that it can make with injector pulse duration in order to achieve stoichiometric under just about any weather/condition. When the ECU believes that the engine is running lean, it begins to lengthen injector pulses to richen the mixture up to stoichiometric. On your car, the ECU reaches it's limitation of adjustability before stoichiometric is achieved and you get the error code.

The addition of headers and other exhaust modifications will cause the engine to run leaner - but these changes are well within what the ECU can adjust on it's own.

Are you sure you're not getting a catalyst efficiency error code? From your description, you've removed the catalytic converters (no provision for cats with the long tube headers) and if you have not made mods to the ECU you will for sure get a check engine light for poor catalyst efficiency.

If you can provide the exact error code number, we might be able to nail this down one way or the other.
 

lthlvpr

GT Owner
Mar 8, 2006
299
I believe the long tube headers eliminate the cats which means that either your rear 02 sensors are disconnected, they are hanging in the air, or the headers still have 02 bungs in the rear and they look like they are properly installed. I assume the front 02 sensors are connected.

At any rate, you may either need software to eliminate the rear 02s or 02 simulators to fool the PCM into thinking the cats are still in place and the rear 02s are functioning properly.

You should be able to open the rear clamshell and look down along the exhaust and see if the 02s are connected.
 

agentf1

Active member
Oct 21, 2005
44
Not sure what your problem is Robby but can say if you need a tune go to JDM. They do excellent work. They did a few of my friends cars and will probably do my L when I am ready. :thumbsup
 

AMB

GT Owner
Aug 29, 2005
401
San Diego,Ca.
Rob Ferretti

What Code are you getting !!!

AMB
 

Rob Ferretti

Well-known member
May 2, 2006
55
NYC area
P0171 is the code

"system too lean (bank 1)"
 

KenBMD

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2006
80
Rob Ferretti said:
P0171 is the code

"system too lean (bank 1)"


The car is either actually running lean or you have a leak upstream of the 02 sensor.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't recommend modifying these car with an performance bolt ons without verifying everything is correct on a dyno with a full datalogging workup. There's just too much at risk with these cars to skip that step.

Ken
 

Rob Ferretti

Well-known member
May 2, 2006
55
NYC area
going to run the car on a wideban today to see whats going on
 

AMB

GT Owner
Aug 29, 2005
401
San Diego,Ca.
Rob Ferretti

Do you have all "4" o2 sensors installed and hooked up ??

AMB