Vacuum Leaks and Unmetered Air

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2011 Mercury Mariner, 2011 Lincoln Navigator L, 2011 Lincoln Navigator, 2011 Lincoln MKX, and 2011 Lincoln MKT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With this condition, the engine may actually run lean of stoichiometry (14.7:1 air/fuel ratio) if the PCM is not able to compensate enough to correct for the condition. This condition can be caused by unmetered air entering the engine or a MAF sensor concern. In this situation, the volume of air entering the engine is actually greater than what the MAF sensor is indicating to the PCM. Vacuum leaks normally are most apparent when high manifold vacuum is present (for example, during idle or light throttle). If freeze frame data indicates the fault occurred at idle, a check for vacuum leaks and unmetered air might be the best starting point.

For example, loose, leaking or disconnected vacuum lines, intake manifold gaskets or O-rings, throttle body gaskets, brake booster, air inlet tube, a stuck, frozen or aftermarket positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, and unseated engine oil dipstick.