I have a 97 4x4 Lariat. Recently if I stopped at a stop sign quickly the idle would drop to barely running. It finally through a code and it came up to be "low reading at the O2 Sensor. Does this make sense? Do the two go hand and hand.

 

yes it does. i would do a search on throttle body cleaning and also replace the FRONT o2's (the rear are just there do make sure ur cats are working and dont effect any air fuel mix) the front ones determin how much o2 is still in the exhaust and adjusts the air fuel mix and everything else so it runs more effeciantly.

 

Replace both upper O2 sensors and clean and/or replace your IAC valve. While you're at it, you might as clean the EGR ports.

 

Thanks for the info. My truck has 130,000 on probably the same o2 sensors. I did a search on them and Ford recommends changing them at 100,000. Do you think I will see an increase in Gas Milage when doing this? Oregon gas prices are at $2.81 for plus.

 

You might see an increase, but dont bank on it.

Do you run premium? Its not necessary unless you have a chip that requires it...

 

I don't have a chip but if I don't run at least plus, I hear a tapping. I forget what thats called "premature ignition".

 

First of all,running a higher octane in your truck is just masking problems you are having with it if you were to be running 87 octane. Hence,the pinging you are getting with 87.Excessive pinging is telling you that there is a problem.Ford states there will be "some" pinging with 87 octane. I would look into that; most likely excessive carbon build up causing the pinging.
Now,about the O2 sensors. I replaced both of my front sensors last weekend.After 3 days,the MAF sensor went bad.I had all the signs of trouble you are describing.Try cleaning the MAF sensor first.In my case, I could not.Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Since cleaning the MAF seems much easier and cheaper. How do I do this? I have a drop in K&N filter which I recently cleaned and reoiled. I've heard if you use too much oil it can cause the MAF to go bad and/or need cleaning. Now that you mentioned the MAF, I don't think I was having this problem before I cleaned it last. SOOOOO! How do I clean it?

 

Hi - since you are now a member, you need to learn to use Search to find this stuff for yourself - it's ALL here. It helps everyone by reducing retyping the same thing a hundred times over, okay? Just an FYI

Here's the link you need:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...t=maf+cleaning

Search for throttle body, EGR cleaning, etc methods, if you need info on that - there is a really good tutorial on it, with pix.

BTW, injector cleaning, (by a professional, not out of a bottle) is another good thing to do periodically - this can cause a lean condition and 'pinging.

Bottom line - regular ( some say frequent) maintenance is called for to ensure a good running truck - front O2's at 50,000, not 100,000, fuel filter @ 15,000 or less, plugs/boots @ 60,000... you get the drill. 'Search' will find plenty on this too - escpecially in the Chips forum - posts by Mike Troyer.

Good luck and have fun.

Cheers
Vic