Ford E150 P2197 Check Engine Light

OKnewguy · Jan 6, 2009

Hey gang, I posted back a while ago trying to trouble shoot, a p2197 code on my 2004 Ford e150. P2197 is o2 bank 2 sensor 1, so I installed an o2 sensor in the front on the passenger side. Back before I replaced the sensor I would occasionally get a p0153 (slow response bank 2 sensor one).
So anyway, the truck was good for 150 miles or so, and then tripped the 2197. I have put 200 to 300 miles on it since it tripped and it did not throw any other codes. Currently I have plenty of time and would like to try and trouble shot this myself, I do have a good mechanic, but he is expensive.
What would be the next course of action?
Thanks, Dave

Diamondpilot · Jan 6, 2009

My Saturn had the same issues. It was tripping the 02 sensor code. I don't remember it being as sophisticated as your Ford, 1 code and 2 sensors, not 2 different codes for 2 different sensors. Anyway the gas mileage went from 31 to around 17 so I had to do something. I changed both sensors 1 at a time with no results. It ended up being a very expensive catalytic converter. Take it to a good muffler shop and have them look at the exhaust system. It is usually a free estimate and inspection.

Chris

OKnewguy · Jan 6, 2009

Thanks for the suggestion. So far the mileage seems normal. I guess the closed loop program is pretty decent. This sensor should be pre-cat. So I do not think that the exhaust stuff should effect it. I will verify it this afternoon.
Thanks, Dave

Diamondpilot · Jan 6, 2009

I would think the cat could still give a code on a pre cat sensor due to backup of pressure or a comparison between the pre and post cat sensor. I think what happened on mine before and after changing both sensors was the difference between the two sensors was out of max spec so it trips the code...

Chris

Diamondpilot · Jan 6, 2009

I am not sure how your van is set up and the only one I have ever messed with is the Saturn I own. Its a 4 cylinder so only 2 sensors. Does yours have a set of sensors for each side of the V8 engine? If so could you swap them and see if the problem follows the sensor?

Chris

OKnewguy · Jan 6, 2009

Yes, there are 2 sensors for each side. bank 1 is supposed to be drivers side (with sensor one being pre cat, and sensor 2 post cat), and then bank 2 being passenger side. I did replace with a new o2 sensor. But I will see if I can swap around, I think they actually have different connectors. My Chilton manual recomends testing for the voltage for the heater in the o2 wiring harness. I might see if I can cannibalize some kind of plug so I can take readings.
Dave

Dmace · Jan 6, 2009

If you can switch the sensors from one bank to the other it would rule out the sensor being bad. Twice I have replaced 02 sensors in different vehicles and got a bad one which threw the same code, I exchanged it and all was well. I assume you are unhooking the battery and taping the brake a few times before replacing the sensor so the ECU will reset any and all codes too.

TCBoomer · Jan 7, 2009

OKnewguy said:
Yes, there are 2 sensors for each side. bank 1 is supposed to be drivers side (with sensor one being pre cat, and sensor 2 post cat), and then bank 2 being passenger side. I did replace with a new o2 sensor. But I will see if I can swap around, I think they actually have different connectors. My Chilton manual recomends testing for the voltage for the heater in the o2 wiring harness. I might see if I can cannibalize some kind of plug so I can take readings.
Dave

You might want to check your source for info. Bank 1 is passenger side and bank 2 is drivers

Dmace · Jan 7, 2009

OKnewguy said:
Yes, there are 2 sensors for each side. bank 1 is supposed to be drivers side (with sensor one being pre cat, and sensor 2 post cat), and then bank 2 being passenger side. I did replace with a new o2 sensor. But I will see if I can swap around, I think they actually have different connectors. My Chilton manual recomends testing for the voltage for the heater in the o2 wiring harness. I might see if I can cannibalize some kind of plug so I can take readings.
Dave

TCBoomer said:
You might want to check your source for info. Bank 1 is passenger side and bank 2 is drivers

Hey OKnewguy, didn't I tell you which bank is which back in November?

TCBoomer · Jan 7, 2009

Dmace said:
Hey OKnewguy, didn't I tell you which bank is which back in November?

good job Dmace, I didn't know you already told him. Based on his comments I gathered he got the info from Chiltons and they aren't always on the mark.

Another thing he should pay close attention to is the 02 connector condition, look at both halves! Any signs of corrosion are suspect and need to be corrected. These sensors rely on minuscule voltage changes ie...spizzwinks as we call them

...and the slightest bit of resitance change can play havoc with OBD2 test results