Happiest day seeing the approved inspection sticker placed on my car from the NJ State Inspection. My PCM threw a P1151 trouble code last Saturday before heading to Joboo's. Started the car and was idling rough and bam! I got the SEL. Plugged in the ol diagnostic tool and surfed to my favorite code website [Only admins are allowed to see this link] . Disconnected by A/F Gauge and back to smooth idling.
I found it odd that the A/F Gauge jumped around so much. My neighbors Narrowband A/F stays steady on idle and would jump to rich when he hits the gas and head towards lean when he depresses the gas pedal. Similar to a vaccum gauge. I'm planning on going straight to the O2 sensor once I figure out which is the signal wire. Below is how I figured out the it was my A/F Gauge.
P1151 OBD Trouble Code
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Technical DescriptionLack of HO2S-21 Switch, Sensor Indicates Lean
What does that mean?A Heated Exhaust Oxygen (HO2S) sensor indicating lean at the end of a test is trying to correct for an over-rich condition. The test fails when the fuel control system no longer detects switching for a calibrated amount of time.
SymptomsYou will likely not notice any drivability problems.
Causes: A code P1151 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
Electrical:
Short to VPWR in the harness or HO2S <----Bingo!! My A/F Gauge
Water in the harness connector
Open/shorted HO2S circuit <----Bingo!! My A/F Gauge
Corrosion or poor mating terminals and wiring
Damaged HO2S
Damaged PCM <--- Gauge tied into PCM
Fuel System:
Excessive fuel pressure
Leaking/contaminated fuel injectors
Leaking fuel pressure regulator
Low fuel pressure or running out of fuel
Vapor recovery system
Induction System:
Air leaks after the MAF
Vacuum Leaks
PCV system:
Improperly seated engine oil dipstick
EGR System:
Leaking gasket
Stuck EGR valve
Leaking diaphragm or EVR
Base Engine:
Oil overfill
Cam Timing
Cylinder compression
Exhaust leaks before or near the HO2S(s)
Possible SolutionsSee the above list of causes and go from there.