| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
Jim Grant's Tech Tips
’00
Hyundai Accent, Computer Code Reading P1128
Q:
I own a ‘00 Hyundai Accent with computer code P1128.
I understand this code means low fuel trim, running lean.
The fuel injectors, fuel pump and pressure regulator were
checked and found to be good. The computer grounds were
checked and all was good. Could the O2 sensors be bad even
though there is no code? It’s my son’s car and
he needs it for college.
Rick
A:
Yes,
a loose or defective O2 sensor can cause this code to be
set. But, the more common causes for the computer code you’re
reporting is due to vacuum leaks. Here are the conditions
that have to be met before this particular code can be set,
(turn the check engine light on). First the long-term fuel
trim value goes to 10% to 15% lean for 30 seconds during
two driving cycles. Then the following has to be in place
1; Engine load exceeds 1.8 milliseconds. 2; Engine coolant
temperature is above 158 °F. 3; The canister purge system
is not operating. 4; Mass air flow is less than or equal
to 5.5 g/s and last but not least the engine speed is below
1000 RPM. Basically, this code will only set if the engine
is at or near idle speed. The problems caused by vacuum
leaks are most pronounced at low engine RPM. With this information,
you can understand why checking for a vacuum leak is first.
If no vacuum leaks are found you have to next be sure that
the exhaust has no leaks. Exhaust leaks at the manifold,
front pipe and converter will cause the O2 sensor to report
false information, resulting in the computer reporting false
codes. Vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks are the more common
causes for this type of computer code. More often than not
it is the simple things that cause the bigger problems.
|
|
|
