ok guys, I got a 2004 xtype with 62k on it. I keep getting a p0174 code and sometimes it also throws a code for random misfire, misfire on cylinder 2 and 5. the misfire codes disappear after a few minutes, but the p0174 stays. The mil light also goes off and comes back on, but as I said the p0174 is there if the mil light is on or not. I did a smoke test on the intake and saw no smoke coming out from intake anywhere. Now I am leaning towards a bad oxygen sensor or maybe an exhaust gasket. What do you guys think?

 

On a smoke test you're looking for smoke to be drawn in, not coming out. Air leaks downstream of the MAF sensor are a common complaint for this engine, and there are just a few usual suspects. Keep reading threads here, and there are some good videos on YouTube. Here's one. Note also in it that the car has the old style PCV hose. If hose on your car looks like that it needs to be replaced. If you end up having to remove the intake manifold I'd suggest spark plug replacement while you're in there.

 

Yea, the engine has the updated pcv hoses, one of the first things I checked. Today I got a p1647, so it looks like I will need a new 02 sensor.

 

Are you using premium fuel? The junk down there should be fine at 62K miles.

 

guru, do you like to smoke or know someone that likes to? If so, have them light up and gently blow the smoke into your engine bay when the engine is cold (ensure your A/C is turned completely off and your defroster is turned off too). This will allow the smoke the gently roll through the engine bay. What you are looking for is the smoke to make a sudden change in direction near the engine block.

Like the video shows, you can anticipate your problem being from 3 places: the PCV hose, the IMT o-rings, and the brake booster hose. Based on your year car, I would be looking at the brake booster hose and IMT o-rings first. Both are easy replacements and cheap to do. After that, I would say to invest around $40 to change the spark plugs and renew the upper gaskets. Takes about 2-3 hours to do the plugs, but that would be the next likely thing to give you problems.

If you are going to do the O2 sensor yourself, make sure to get the offset O2 sensor tool. It will cost you around $15 to buy or free if you rent the tool from a local auto parts store, but it will save you a lot of cussing and wasted time if you try to use the special O2 sensor socket. If you need more help with the O2 sensor, let me know. I did the uppers on my car.

 

I use premium 93 fuel for it. I tried blowing smoke into the brake booster hose when the engine was cold and did not see any smoke coming from anywhere, but I will try to blow smoke around the engine when its cold, maybe that will help me pinpoint the leak. I ordered a oxygen sensor for it already, should be getting it on Monday. I will report back with my findings. thanks.

 

A stick of incense works well for leak searching, you can get into small places with it and it is a steady stream of smoke to monitor.

 

Do the O2 sensor, then a few days of drives so it gets used to it.

Then check fuel trims (LTFTs). Hot engine, parked. At idle then rev to about 2500. Will get 4 readings.

 

Hi, good morning guys, its been a while since we spoke of this issue, but after putting in a new oxygen sensor the p0174 code has not come back, but now we have a new problem. its been tough to start for the past few weeks. It will start and just shut off. the rpms get way low and it dies. the battery light was also on today and I am getting a p1234 code. I just put a battery in it in march of this year. I really like the car, but its issue after issue. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Sounds to me like you're having fuel delivery problem. P1234 relates to Fuel Pump Driver Module. Any idea when last time the fuel filter was changed? That is an inexpensive quick job. I'd do that first to see if that would help. If issue persists then you need to check fuel pressure at the rail. How many miles on the car?

 

its has 62000 miles on it. Have not changed the fuel filter since i got it, but i can give it a shot and see what happens. Now to check fuel pressure, is there a fitting at the rail that I can hook up a fuel pressure gauge to?

 

Many cars have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail, but I don't think this engine does. Try internet search on how to check it on a Duratec.

 

Here's what I found on YouTube. It's a Duratec engine, but not Jaguar's. Maybe someone else can guide you better, but if there's no Schrader valve you could remove the fuel pressure sensor in order to fit the pressure gauge.

 

first of all thanks for your help. I was able to use the torque app and a Bluetooth odb2 connector to check the fuel pressure. at idle it was at 56 psi and when i reved it to about 4k it was steady at 53 psi. So the fuel pressure seems good.

 

maybe i should take a look at the fuel pump driver module.

 

Thanks - hadn't thought about OBDII scan tool. I say you've got normal fuel pressure. Fuel filter is in back of my mind, but pull a couple of spark plugs from Bank 2 (closest to radiator) to check condition. Engine starting then dying says to me it's a fuel delivery issue.

 

I will definitely take a look at the spark plugs. where is the fuel filter located and will i need any special tools?

 

FF is located near right rear wheel. No special tools needed, but you'll need to raise rear end for access. Any auto parts store will have a suitable filter - WIX or NAPA is fine. After replacement you could cut old one open to check for evidence of blockage. You can ask others about change interval, but I use 2-3 years or 30K miles. Cheap insurance. There are several videos on YouTube like this:

 

thanks, I will give it a shot this weekend and see what happens and I will also try to swap the spark plugs on bank 2 of the engine to see if that helps.

 

Good luck. I would just check the plugs first. If you don't like the way they look you're going to want to change 'em all. That requires pulling the intake manifold to get to Bank 1, so you may want to put that off for later (there's videos for that job too). If you pull the intake manifold there are some seals you'll need to replace. Bypass these seals and you'll end up doing the job again. For now I'd change the fuel filter and evaluate. BTW, is your engine air filter in good shape?