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Your car starts up in open loop fuel operation. When the engine warms up to about 180f the engine goes into closed loop fuel control. When in this mode, the ECU uses sensors & various actuators to run the engine. Essentially the ECU can tell if the fuel ratio is in correct proportion to the airflow measured via the MAF sensor. If the air/fuel supply does not match the fuel tables in the onboard computer, within certain limits, or is not able to obtain stoichiometric control at 14.7 to 1 air/fuel ratio,then the computer flags a problem via the check engine light. Your computer has determined that there is a lean fuel condition. The cause can be many things, but basically, if all the sensors are working properly, there is an air leak in the intake or vacuum lines or a fuel restriction. You need to find this leak or restriction, & correct it then clear the engine light. On this engine there is a good possibility that you have a leak in the intake manifold. You can often find this type of problem with a can of carb/intake cleaner, especially if the idle speed is uneven. You have found the leak when the idle returns to normal. Change your fuel filter and get fuel pressure checked first then work on the list below.
* MAF sensor (contaminated, damaged, malfunctioning, etc.)
Fuel System
* Fuel pressure regulator (leaking, malfunctioning, etc.). * Fuel filter plugged, dirty. * Fuel pump (weak, check valve leaking, etc.). * Leaking/contaminated fuel injectors. * Low fuel pressure or running out of fuel. * EVAP canister purge valve leaking (when canister is "clean"). * Fuel supply line restricted. * Fuel rail pressure sensor (incorrect reading).
Air Induction System
* Air leaks after the MAF. * Vacuum Leaks. * PCV system (leak, valve stuck open, etc.) * Improperly seated engine oil dipstick.
Exhaust System
* Exhaust leaks before or near the HO2Ss (exhaust manifold gasket, mating gaskets, etc.)..
EGR System
* EGR valve tube/gasket leak * EVR solenoid vacuum leak
Secondary Air Injection
* Damaged/malfunctioning secondary air injection system (mechanically stuck valve).
Good luck, Aeroman.
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