Hello,

On a recent trip the check engine light came on on my 2000 Sable. Since I was off the hwy 25 miles out on a gravel road w.o. cell phone coverage I had to keep driving. After getting it hooked up to an analyzer it came back with P1131 - bank 1 lean. The engine still runs ok. No rough idling, loss of power or anything.

Now thinking back. Prior to that I had felt what I thought was a funky smell from the engine while idling. Like electronic components going bad. I visually inspected the engine, couldn't see anything and everything was working normal. The smell is gone now. Another thing was that while driving on the gravel road I heard two pretty load pings. I thought it was just rocks that had bounced up against the engine. But I had never heard anything like that before.

The probable causes for the code lists as
1. Misfire bank 1
2. Vacuum leak affecting bank 1 only
3. Fuel injector problem bank 1
4. Engine mechanical condition

How can I diagnose this and if possible fix this problem myself?

Any 5 cents welcome!

 

I believe I had the same code when the check engine light came on my 1997 Cougar with a 4.6L V-8. What worked was adding a bottle of Lucas fuel injector cleaner. I drove the car less than 10 miles after adding it and the light went out and never came back on. I guess it's worth a try. You can buy it a local parts store for under 5 bucks. Good luck. I hope it works.

grandpagrandmarquis

 

Rotates firing to plugs in proper order...

 

Yep, tried the Lucas without any luck. The car has gone through the three prescribed cycles since and the check light is still on.

 

Sorry, I'm not following the firing plug rotation. What does that mean?

 

I'm sorry it didn't for you. I guess I got lucky. I ran a repair shop in my younger days when a mechanics life was easier (and cheaper) but I'm as lost as the rest when it comes to diagnosing newer car problems. Other than suggesting to find someone with a computer to diagnose I can't offer much. Good luck.

 

you could try the DPFE Sensor, i had a similar problem and i replaced that and havent seen it on in 2 monthes now

 

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I think this explains it. The connector must have rattled loose and gotten in contact with the exhaust. It explains both the smell and behaviour.

Now the problem will be to get the other side, (vehicle end), of the connector. I'll be replacing the sensor regardless.

BTW, I read somewhere that the upstream sensors should be replaced in pairs. Anyone care to comment on that? Since the car has 160K miles on it it's probably time for it anyway.