# Lean mixture code

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ford, f150\
**Created:** [February 21, 2010, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897 "2010-02-21T21:33:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Malc12474](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8edcca/32.png) [@Malc12474](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Malc12474)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2010, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897/1 "2010-02-21T21:33:04Z")

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I’ve got a 2001 Ford F150 with a V6. Some time ago I took it through a car wash and before I got home two codes were logged. Lean mixture both banks. I figured maybe the water got into the oxygen sensor hoo-ups. I erased the codes thinking next day no problems. Well came back and has been constant even though I reset codes one more time. Both O2 sensors bad same time ? How to determine, O2 or vacuum leak, and if the latter any tricks on hunting down a leak? All my money is going to day care for our 6 month old, AKA strapped for cash or I would have taken it to a shop.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2010, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897/2 "2010-02-21T21:51:18Z")

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Will it do a 0 to 70 full-throttle acceleration without any mis-fires or other problems? Did the acceleration test feel “right”?

As for guesswork, mine would be clean the MAF, change the fuel filter, add a bottle of Techron to the gas when it’s below a quarter tank, check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail test port…

Vacuum leaks usually produce a rough idle as one cylinder will be so lean it mis-fires at idle.

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**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2010, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897/3 "2010-02-21T22:44:00Z")

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How about a MAF sensor cleaning? worked for me when I got a “too lean” code (P0174) on my 2004 F-150.

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2010, 10:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lean-mixture-code/44897/4 "2010-02-21T22:52:34Z")

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As oldschool notes, certainly clean the MAF first. This costs about 10 minutes of time and 15 cents worth of electronics/MAF sensor cleaner. Also clean its electrical connectors.

One simple way to check for vacuum leaks is to hook a piece of some kind of hosing to an UNLIT propane torch. With the engine idling fish the propane around the vacuum connections and intake. If you hit a leak the engine should rev up. There should be a schematic diagram of your vacuum system under the hood to help you find it all.

I would do those two things and then pull the O2 sensor wiring harnesses, clean them, and check the power supply.