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P1150, P1151, P0151

9

96SEBlack

CEG'er
Joined
Oct 20, 2003
Messages
55
Location
KS
I have 3 codes on my 96 Contour SE 2.5L, 5-spd.

P1150-Lack of HO2S Switch - Adaptive Fuel Limit - Bank 2
P1151-Lack of HO2S Switch - Sensor Indicates Lean - Bank 2
P0151-O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage - Bank 2 Sensor 1

I have also had:
P0131-O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage - Bank 1 Sensor 1
But it's gone at the moment.

About 4 or 5 years ago a dealer told me the cats were bad. The main cat $400-$500 to fix and up to $700 if the two front cats needed replaced also.

I said no thanks and put on probably 60,000+ miles since then. Bought the car with 50K and it now has 178K on it. As far as I know the O2 sensors have never been replaced. I've also never noticed the 'rotten egg' smell or heard the 'whooshing' sound I've read about when the cats go.

It has occasional surging at highway speeds and when it gets extremely cold, it doesn't want to idle and dies, but starts right back up again. Anyone else had similar codes and know if new O2 sensors will fix this?
Thanks for your help!
 
96SEBlack said:
I have 3 codes on my 96 Contour SE 2.5L, 5-spd.

P1150-Lack of HO2S Switch - Adaptive Fuel Limit - Bank 2
P1151-Lack of HO2S Switch - Sensor Indicates Lean - Bank 2
P0151-O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage - Bank 2 Sensor 1

I have also had:
P0131-O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage - Bank 1 Sensor 1
But it's gone at the moment.

........ Bought the car with 50K and it now has 178K on it. As far as I know the O2 sensors have never been replaced..................It has occasional surging at highway speeds and when it gets extremely cold, it doesn't want to idle and dies, but starts right back up again. ............... and know if new O2 sensors will fix this?
Click to expand...

Most probably need new Upper Bank 1 and Bank 2 O2 sensors. They are designed for 100K miles.

Edit. Bank 1 (firewall side) Upper How to in "Duratec Maintenance-Read First".
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/s...allposts&Main=1023736&Search=true#Post1023736

Bank 2 is radiator side. The Bank 2 Upper O2 sensor is the sensor closest to the oil filter. If you are standing in front looking at the engine bay, it is the upper sensor and it is to the left of the Bank 2 Precatalytic converter. Need an O2 sensor removal tool or 22 mm or 7/8 inch crescent wrench to remove it.
 
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Those are not cat codes. I agree that it is most likely upstream oxygen sensors that have reached the end of their usable life. You could also have a vacuum leak or something else that is driving the engine extremely lean. I would make a cursery check for vacuum leaks and if nothing shows up, replace the upstream oxygen sensors.

Often the cat codes are false codes on our cars. If you have had no further problems with them, quit worrying about them.
 
Thanks for the quick response and the how-to links.

I'll do a quick visual check for vacuum leaks and try replacing the 2 sensors myself when I get a little extra cash. Hopefully this will take care of the "no-idle" problem when it gets cold. The car still starts, runs good and does great in the snow and ice. I'd like to get her fixed up a little before winter hits. Thanks again!

I'll post back when I get the sensors replaced.
 
Thanks, I'll try cleaning the IAC if I can locate it. It sounds like there isn't much room to work. If that doesn't fix it, does anyone know the Motorcraft or Ford part number?

On the Motorcraft site I found a CX1568 Idle Air Control Motor and a CS95 Idle Air Control Actuator. Are either one of these the correct part?
I can't seem find the IAC valve listed on TeamFordParts, either. Is there another name for the IAC valve?

For O2 sensors, Motorcraft lists DY738 as the Front Upstream sensor, but says only 1 per vehicle. I don't think that is right. I assume DY738 is the correct part for both upper Bank 1 and 2 sensors.

Also are there 3 or 4 O2 sensors total on these cars?
Sorry for all the questions. Any help is appreciated!
 
4 O2 sensors for V6. Two upstream and two downstream. Yes, you need Upstream (also known as Sensor No. 1). DY738 is the correct number.

IAC valve part number. This should work.
XS2Z9F715BA
 
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And FWIW, there is no indication that the downstream sensors need replacement. No need to spend any money there.

I'd suggest replacing both upstream sensors.

As for the IAC, cleaning it sometimes helps. Worth a try if you wish to possibly save a few bucks.

Steve
 
Yes, I need to save a few bucks. Not planning on replacing any more than I have to, just wanted to know how may sensors for future reference. I'll try the cheap and easy things first.

This car is definitely neglected, I'll be the first to admit that. It is third in line as far as car care goes around here. I recently spent a lot of time and some $$ on tune-up/repair items tracking down the CEL on my 96 F150 with the same mileage. Not to mention a CEL and vacuum leak on the family truckster (Caravan).

Thanks for all the quick replies and good info!
 
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