Check engine light?

2008 FORD EDGE
142,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TINYMOM1992
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I just bought the vehicle listed above from a private sale, just passed NY inspection March 25th. But check engine light came on the next day, husband did the code reader thing, and it says bank 1 and bank 2. My question is, what is that? My husband is currently in the hospital now so I can’t get his help, can I order parts? So, when he’s better he can fix it? Or is it something bigger than that, that I’ll need a shop for? (I know probably a stupid question, but I have zero knowledge about cars).
Apr 4, 2024 at 3:45 PM
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STEVE W.
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Sorry he's ill. However, we need the actual code numbers. There are multiple items tagged as bank 1 and 2 that can cause the light to come on. With the codes it should be possible to narrow it down a lot.
Apr 4, 2024 at 10:28 PM
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TINYMOM1992
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Okay, I’ll see if I can get them, thank you.
Apr 5, 2024 at 6:58 PM
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STEVE W.
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You are welcome. We will be here.
Apr 6, 2024 at 8:49 AM
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TINYMOM1992
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The code was P0171. If that helps.
Apr 6, 2024 at 10:38 AM
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TINYMOM1992
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2 codes the p0171 and P0172.
Apr 6, 2024 at 11:38 AM
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STEVE W.
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Okay, those are opposite codes. The P0171 is too lean on bank 1 while the P0172 is too rich on bank 1. At the moment the codes are saying that one side of the engine is getting both not enough and too much fuel at the same time. What I would do first is to erase the codes. Then drive it and see which one returns first. If the scan tool can read live data, you could look at the high and low fuel trims as well as those that would show which was happening first. I would suspect a possible vacuum leak. With the engine cold it draws in extra air and sets the 171-lean code, the control system keeps adding fuel. Then it warms up and the leak closes and now it is running very rich and starts to remove fuel but sets the 172 rich code.
Fuel trims that get better as the throttle is opened would point at a vacuum leak. A smoke test on the engine when it's cold might show the leak as well.
Apr 6, 2024 at 3:32 PM