2015 Ford Explorer Sport… anyone else dealing with a lean code?

Seeking Advice
1

A few months ago, my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5 turbo started throwing a lean code. At first, it came and went, and the car ran fine. Then I noticed misfires at higher RPMs, especially merging onto the highway. The check engine light would blink but go away. I replaced all 6 spark plugs, and the misfire is gone, but the lean code is still there. Now, the check engine light is always on. The car feels fine otherwise, but I’m only getting 14.4 mpg. It has 110k miles. I don’t know where to start since this could be caused by so many things.

2

Sounds like clogged fuel injectors. You can clean them, replace them with refurbished ones, or buy new ones. It depends on your budget and how much time you’ve got.

3

Thanks! I’ll check the injectors next.

4

I’ve had similar symptoms. I just got new injectors and will install them soon. I’ll let you know if it fixes the issue.

5

Keagan said:
I’ve had similar symptoms. I just got new injectors and will install them soon. I’ll let you know if it fixes the issue.

Do you feel anything wrong while driving? Mine seems fine since I replaced the spark plugs.

6

@Meade
I replaced plugs and an upstream O2 sensor. It runs fine now, but I had misfires before. It still has good power and idles smoothly.

7

Keagan said:
@Meade
I replaced plugs and an upstream O2 sensor. It runs fine now, but I had misfires before. It still has good power and idles smoothly.

Same codes as mine. Let me know if the injectors fix it for you. Fingers crossed :crossed_fingers:.

8

@Meade
Will do! Planning to work on it Sunday. Hopefully, it clears everything up.

9

Keagan said:
@Meade
Will do! Planning to work on it Sunday. Hopefully, it clears everything up.

So far, all my codes, including permanent ones, cleared on their own. I’m driving it for a couple of weeks to see if they come back. If they do, I’ll swap the injectors. For now, I’m just keeping an eye on it.

10

Try swapping the #6 coil with #5. If the misfire moves to #5, it’s the coil pack. If not, check the wiring to the coil or injector.

11

Brady said:
Try swapping the #6 coil with #5. If the misfire moves to #5, it’s the coil pack. If not, check the wiring to the coil or injector.

I already changed all the plugs. The misfire is gone now—just dealing with the lean code.