p0176 wtf?

[dohc-bird]

just wondering what can i do to clear this code.

 

[oachs83]

looks like your flexible fuel sensor may be out. You did not run into any bad gas or anything you know of? I would maybe try a couple more tanks of fuel and reset the code and see what happens.

 

[dohc-bird]

sorry i didnt get into detail but here it goes.

i had an 89 mustang that i was trying to sell and got this truck traded to me.
its a 2000 ranger 3.0 4wd auto and yes flex fuel.

the guy said something about cleaning up where the harness connects to the sensor to see if thats what triggered it.

i dont know where its at but figured i'd get some input from you guys on here.
its a nice truck runs great but the light is annoying .

can i just run a tank of regular gas to see if it clears or.....?

 

[Earl43P]

It's on the inside of the left (DS) frame rail, below the cab.

I hope mine never goes bad. Let me know (PM is best) if you need the part number for an e-bay or JY search (I think I can still read the label on mine). I hear they are expensive.

I've wondered if any of the "tuners" out there could program that function out of the PCM?

I'd at least clear the code, see how long it takes to come back. Can't hurt to clean that sensor's connector and maybe even the square one under the cab too. If that sensor's wires go thru the cab floor there, that connector is known to corrode up.

You can clear the code by pulling the PCM fuse for "a while" or disconnect the battery and turn the lights on, hook it right back up.

 

[dohc-bird]

i have a obd 2 scanner and cleared it.
it comes back on after starting the truck up on the second try everytime.

i'm gonna try to clean it tomorrow at work.

 

[scott5640]

i have a obd 2 scanner and cleared it.
it comes back on after starting the truck up on the second try everytime.

i'm gonna try to clean it tomorrow at work.

id just get a new sensor

 

[oachs83]

id just get a new sensor

I think there around $400. So I would try everything before I spend that.

 

[dohc-bird]

the truck also might be for sale but i'd rather fix this right you know.
its cold and rainy so i'll attempt it tomorrow.
also i cant find the sensor anywhere but the dealer.

 

[dohc-bird]

well i cleaned all contacts and cleared the code
and it pops back on.

does anyone know a boneyard or are parting out a ranger that has this sensor?

 

[dohc-bird]

so a couple of weeks ago my truck started running rough.
it sounds like a bad misfire no big deal.
the following day i found spark plugs that needed to be chaged out long ago and a weak coil pack.

new plugs and coil pack later the truck runs the same.

my buddy brought his scanner over and this is all the info i could get off of it he was in a rush to leave.

my question is where should i be looking.
i checked for vacuum leaks and found nothing
there are no cracked or broken vacuum lines anywhere
it has had the same tank of gas for 172 miles prior to the truck acting up.
it started one day while i was driving and hasnt changed since.
the truck ran great prior to this and i'm out of time and money any help would be appreciated.

 

[will2045]

yeah this stumps me..

 

[dohc-bird]

figured it out

cam synchro

 

[dohc-bird]

i followed this to diagnose and its exactly what i came up with
i love info




TSB 05-22-12

11/14/05
BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE
ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV
ENGINE

FORD:
2000-2003 Taurus, Ranger

MERCURY:
2000-2003 Sable

ISSUE

Some 2000-2003 Taurus, Sable, Ranger vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 2-valve gas or FFV engine may exhibit a buck/jerk/miss during drive cycles above 3000 RPM with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's). A possible cause is the camshaft synchronizer assembly. Since the camshaft position (CMP) fault monitor is not active above 2500 RPM, no diagnostic trouble code (P0340) is set during the drive concern, thus making it difficult to diagnose the root cause component.
ACTION
Use an NGS to identify whether or not the synchronizer is the causal component. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Select PID database.

2. Select "Fuel Priority" PID database.

3. Select KS1 and RPM PID's.

4. Capture data during drive symptom.

5. Using graph mode, display KS1 and RPM.


6. Look for knock errors which can be identified by rapidly rising peaks which correlate with drops in RPM (Figure 1).

7. If the synchronizer assembly needs to be replaced, follow the appropriate model year Workshop Manual, Section 303-14, Electronic Engine Controls, Camshaft Synchronizer - 3.0L (2V) Removal and Installation procedure.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

The knock sensor PID does not use a specific unit (although the NGS displays a 'V" after the numeric, it does not denote volts), the value displayed is strictly a number used to determine knock status by the strategy. Typically, the number will be between 25 and 125 with no fault or knock detected across the RPM range.

When the synchronizer fault occurs, the knock will increase rapidly, in most cases to its limit of 1023, but depending on the severity of the event, can range from the low hundreds to the 1023 limit. The key to identifying the synchronizer issue is the knock PID near or reaching the 1023 limit. In most cases of engine miss, detonation, etc. the knock will increase, but not reach 1023. Also note, if the CMP sensor is disconnected (open circuit fault), the knock PID is not updated and the value of the PID will be set to the 1023 limit.