Newbie(to this site) with a question

[FloridaJeeper]

Hi everyone. Great forum you have going here. Lots of info and things to be learned. Here is my question.

I get an error code 51 A lean air/fuel mixture has been indicated by an abnormally rich correction factor. What does that mean in laymans terms? Could that be because of a bad O2 sensor. I used about a half a tank of gas getting to work and back, that usually last me a week. And I am also getting a pungent smell coming out of the exhaust, I presume. Any help would be apprediated. [addsig]

[dingus]

51** Oxygen sensor signal input indicates lean air/fuel ratio condition during engine operation.

most likely, this means that your oxygen sensor is bad. the oxygen sensor 'sniffs' the exhaust fumes after combustion, and tells the computer what is going on. with that information, the computer controls the fuel injectors, spark, timing, etc...

what is happening in your case is the 02 sensor is bad, telling the computer that the levels are extremely LEAN, (not enough fuel in mixture) and the computer says "okay, injectors... go full tilt!" hence why you're using all that gas and such.

a new 02 sensor should be your fix. do it soon, before the black (dense with unburnt fuel) exhaust fumes clog your catalytic converter and your plugs get fouled.

-nate[addsig]

[FloridaJeeper]

Ahhh, that would explain the black suit-like material around my exhaust tip. Hopefully my cat is still good.
Suggestion appreciated, I guess I will call around for a new sensor.
Thanks[addsig]