Auto Enginuity OBD II diagnostics

[mdrburchette]

Could you eliminate a vacuum leak by spraying carb cleaner around the right bank upper plenum? If the idle changes, then you know the problem lies around the intake...either an oring, hose or gasket. Is the upper intake plastic? Also, would the PCM only store a lean condition code on one bank if it was the MAF? I would think it would store one for the left bank also.

[Jim DeShon]

The final outcome of this was there was no vacuum leak. After resetting the DTC light, I followed the proceedure set out in the manual to reset the fuel trims. I ran the car 20min. in city traffic. I then ran it on the interstate hwy. for 20 min. Lastly, I ran it for an additional 20min. in traffic for a second time. I took in in to have it tested and it passed. The light has not returned after some 150 miles. ... Jim

[mdrburchette]

Glad to know you have it fixed and it didn't cost you anything!

[Jim DeShon]

I thought I'd share this as I know some of you play with other cars besides Fiat. This company makes software to connect your PC to the OBD II system on 95' and later vehicles. I purchased this software for my laptop to trouble shoot problems on my 2001 Ford Windstar. It will work with all OBD II systems though. Although my automotive skills are a little out dated [I've been out of the trade since 1984], I found this software very helpful indeed. The link is http://www.autoenginuity.com ...J.D.

[Danno]

Jim, I have a few OBD tools too. I have a fun one for my PC that sounds pretty similar to that. that performance analyser thing sounds kinda neat, mine doesn't have that on there (kinda, but it's manual work to figure it out by placing the data into a spreadsheet and seeing where certain distances match the time and speeds too). Probably one of my favorite things is this simple looking box called a "scangauge" plugs right into your OBD-II port and gives you real time data on mpgs and fuel usage info (like the fancy deal in my Jeep) also gives air temps, water temps, timing advance, RPMs, Voltage, and so on. Check it out here: http://www.scangauge.com/

edit: wow, just checked out the page. I got mine about 2 years ago, and they sure do look cooler now. about 40 bucks more than mine cost back then, too.

[Danno]

found the link to the other computer one i got back in early 2005, seems to not have changed one bit, lol. Seemed pretty cool then, looking a little outdated by now, still cool to have and pretty cheap as far as these things go.

http://obddiagnostics.com/

[Jim DeShon]

Hi Danno: I've seen the one you have on the web too. When I was looking for a solution to my problem I came across Autoenginuity first and bought it. The biggest problem I currently have is finding information on emission controls. I am admittedly a little dated in my knowledge but, the current crop of available automotive manuals are pretty sad. Just "bolt "A" into hole "B" stuff". I have solved some of this Ford's problems. My local mechanic has found yet another problem and fixed it. I still have an intermittent trouble code that pops up "lean mixture on bank one". He says he thinks it's a manifold leak but I don't think so. It's too intermitent. The fun continues. ...J.D.

[Danno]

could be a manifold leak for sure, but I did some internet searching on that code and came up with a couple of options:

For some cloure on this, I went to the source. The probability was that the inlet air hose from the air cleaner to the manifold was cracked. That was in fact correct. It was broken between a couple of ribs - actually the two upstream ones. You had to look at it perpendicularly to see the crack.
I owe C-Dan a few beers for that one...

* The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters (K&N, etc.) can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled
* There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible solutions include:
* In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find 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
* Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
* Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

[Jim DeShon]

My current thinking is the MAF. I'm setting aside the possibility of a manifold leak for the time being. I don't think the problem is consistant enough to indicate that problem. The second guess would be a faulty injector. I ran in in the shop and graphed the real time MAF output and the real time throttle position. I didn't like the way the MAF was responding. I need to get this thing out on the road with some one else doing the driving to explor that further. ...J.d.