I haven't been able to find anything in the forum, so I'm hoping someone might have an answer for me. I have a 2004 X-TYPE 3.0L with 118,000 miles on it. I've been driving this car for about 2 years now, and the CEL comes on and off randomly, along with the ABS light. I recently had it put on a scanner and it shows error code P0171 and 0174, and an open fault on the front passenger wheel. The car runs fine, no missing or rough idle. Every so often, when I first drive it after a rain, it will start a bad stuttering if I accelerate to quickly. I just have to back off the gas a bit and ease it into what I think is third gear, after which, it does fine. Also, does anyone know if I can just replace the wheel speed sensor or do I need to replace the cable also? Sorry for the length, hope someone can help. Thanks.

 

The cable and sensor are two separate pieces.

 

The codes indicate you are running a lean condition on both banks.There are common vacuum leak points for the X-Type.
1. The PCV Hose running from the forward cam cover to the intake manifold.
2. The brake booster check valve and vacuum line.
3. The IMT O-rings at the end of the intake manifold.
4. The intake manifold gaskets.

The stuttering is the engine going into fail safe mode to prevent engine damage.

 

Thanks for the help. I've replaced the vacuum hose on top with the newer, ribbed one. Is there a chance it could be the mass air flow sensor or fuel filter? They seem like easier fixes, lol! Again, thanks for the help and I'll give your suggestions a try and let you know which one works.

 

James, those are not bad things to check, but, odds are, they are not going to fix things. It sounds like you replaced the PCV valve hose (about the same diameter as your thumb that runs parallel to the throttlebody). If you look at the brake booster, there is a line that comes off of that and runs to the top of the engine. Thta would be the next thing I replace. After that, I would be looking at the IMT valve o-rings.

As for your stutter after a rain, odds are, you have a seal on a coil that is leaking and is allowing water to get into the plug well. This will cause the spark to jump to the wrong area and cause a cylinder to loose power (hence your stutter). The trick will be to push the car hard enough to cause it to throw up a code so you know what cylinder is allowing water into the plug well. It will go away shortly after driving the car because the enigne gets warm enough that you evaporate the water away.

 

Code P0171 and P0174 are almost always vacuum leaks, MAF sensor or PCV valve. PCV valves are inexpensive and easy to replace so that is the first thing I would do. Next, clean the MAF sensor but, be sure to use MAF sensor cleaner and not something like carburetor or brake cleaner or WD40 which will likely ruin the sensor. You cam also test the MAF sensor, there are instruction on YouTube on how to do it with a voltmeter. Last, check for vacuum leaks.Sometimes they are easy to find and some times they are not, shops use a smoke machine to pinpoint the leak or they can use LP spraying carefully around the engine vacuum hoses and when the car suddenly starts running better you can see where the leak is. On a different car (Expedition) I had the exact same problem, I did the first two steps myself with no luck and my mechanic did the third using LP and found a leak on the throttle body which he fixed; car running perfectly now.

 

Thanks everyone, for the help. I have replaced the pvc valve, but still throwing codes. I checked the brake booster line by starting the car and letting it run for a bit, shutting it off and pumping the brakes. The brake pedal stiffened up, so I don't think the leak is there. Next up are the IMT O-rings and the MAF sensor. I'll update with the results asap

 

Now I'm getting these two codes, car also runs rough on start up which it never has done. I also get a "cruise control won't work" yet it works fine.
I'll clean the MAF and try Vern's suggestions:

1. The PCV Hose running from the forward cam cover to the intake manifold.
2. The brake booster check valve and vacuum line.
3. The IMT O-rings at the end of the intake manifold.

Where is the MAF sensor if I may ask?

 

Mr rx-7 tt, find the air box (dead center of the car, over the radiator) and look to your right. You will see the sensor sticking out of the intake tube there. 2 screws as I recall and out it comes.

 

Thanks Chris

 

The car was cold, sitting over night, so I started it up and began looking under the hood at problem area Dell and Chris suggested. The first area I checked was the IMT O-rings. Bingo...You could actually hear the air leaks. When you run your hand over the IMT and intake you could also hear it. With a big smile on my face happy this was going to be an easy fix I ran down to the dealer and paid my $17.65 for the two green O rings and replaced the top one. I then proceeded to replace the second and found out the upper intake manifold needs to come off to replace it. I guess I could file the plastic down but I would rather do it the right way. I then passed a kidney stone. (The smile came off my face, LOL)

The Jag has ~75,000 miles so it's due for plugs, a reseal on the valve covers as they are slightly leaking as I can smell oil at times and a belt chance and idler pulley change, all original. I also need to change the transmission oil. Dealer wants $2500-$2700 for the valve covers and plug change, Indy wants ~$1500. I'll save the money and do it myself hopefully it can wait until spring...I really like the little Jag, it excels as an interstate car and it also gets good gas mileage. These cars in my opinion are underrated. I bought mine new, ordered it and so far has given me few issues to speak. I have replaced the fuel pump, the leaking radiator (Nissen), a couple coolant hoses, the water pump, tires and brakes.

 

Mr rx-7 tt, for the lower o-ring, you can remove the 2 bolts, then you can stretch the o-ring over the IMT valve. You can then stretch the new o-ring over the IMT valve and put it back in the groove. From there, you are good.

 

Thanks Dell and Chris it worked as stated. The car runs without a hunting idle and no engine light/codes. Easy 10 minute fix.

 

How can I find these parts for my x-type 2.5 v6?

 

Batman, the PCV hose, check valve, and O-rings are common parts on E-bay. It also has some of the best prices.

As for the intake gaskets, your local auto parts store should have the upper intake gaskets if you tell them you have a jag. If they say that they don't have the o-rings, then ask them for the upper and lower intake gaskets for the same year LIncoln LS 3.0L. Same parts. Odds are, you are more likely to find the LIncoln parts locally. Granted, being in Rome, you may need to do the E-bay buy for them too. That is how I normally get a lot of my car parts, via e-bay.

 

but is there a way to understand what is not working or do you just have to replace it?

 

Batman, the checks are easy:
PCV hose: Disconnect at each end, flip over, verify no split on the backside. If you have a smooth rubber hose, REPLACE!!!!! (if it isn't failed, I am surprised it is not). If you have the ribbed hose, you should be good. As for testing the PCV valve, for the $5 or so that they cost, easier and cheaper to simply replace it especially if it has been say 30K miles since it was last replaced.
IMT o-rings: Use a small diameter hose and put one end near your ear (NOT IN!!!!!!!) and run the other end near the joint that the o-rings are. If you hear a sucking sound, you need to replace the o-ring. If you are replacing one, replace the other as it is not too far from failing. The other trick is to spray the o-ring with some starter fluid with the engine running. If the RPMs pick up for a second, you have a leak and the o-ring needs replaced.
Brake booster check valve: Find the lump in the center of this hose (runs from top of intake to brake booster). If you can rub it with your thumb and you can rub some of the plastic off, time to replace. If it isn't leaking now, it will be shortly.
Intake manifold gaskets. Test the same as the IMT o-rings.