I have searched and read every thread on a code 44....but I couldn't find one close enough.
It's about a 15 minute drive to work at 55mph. Both going to work and returning I got the SES light for about 4minutes then it would go out. I got a code 44 which is showing a lean condition. I am leaning toward an O2 sensor since the car has 120k on it and to my knowledge it's never been replaced. My question is can it be intermittant....or is it going into open loop which is turning off the SES. The car still idles and runs fine, I didn't noticed any loss in performance coming home. I'm going to check tomorow for vacuum leaks. Any ideas where to start

 

Code 44 can be intermittent. A way to tell is to get the engine to operating temperature. Shut the engine off, ground the diagnostic terminal the way you normally would to read codes. With the terminal grounded, start the engine and run around 12-1800 rpm for 1 minute and watch the SES light.

If the light is flashing "closed loop" (blinks at a rate of 1 time per second), the code is intermittent.

If the light is flashing "open loop" (blinks at a rate of 2-2.5 times per second), the code is not intermittent, and in that case the next step is to shut the car off, disconnect the oxygen sensor, restart the car and immediately note the SES light.

If the light goes off for at least 30 seconds, you have circuit 412 (O2 sensor signal wire) shorted to a ground, or a faulty ECM.

If the light is flashing "open loop" still, a MAF sensor can be causing a bad reading, there could be fuel contamination, there could also be lower than normal fuel pressure, an exhaust leak, and last but not least the A.I.R. system could potentially be pumping air in to the system during closed loop operation. If all these things check out ok, replace the oxygen sensor.

 

Awesome advice! I did just get gas last Friday and the car sat all weekend. I'm by Nashville and it's been real rainy and humid so I'm wondering if there's some moisture in the tank. I can't put the gas cap on all the way because my tank doesn't vent very well. I'll do the above steps this morning and let you know what I find.

 

I did all the above steps...it continues to show open loop which I guess explains why it runs fine. I reset the battery to clear the codes...I removed the smog pump a while back so I guess I'll put some heat in the fuel and go from there...start small.

 

I got the light on the way to work but not on the way home....I guess I'll wait and see.

 

Did you unplug the O2 sensor and note the SES light?

 

I didn't restart it with the circuit grounded a second time...the first time it didn't want to start very well and wouldn't idle. I was a little concerned with doing it a second time. It acted up even after I ungrounded it...which is why I reset the ECM...it was fine after that.

 

I'm pretty sure it's the 02 sensor...the probe is broke from the base allowing air in...problem is I can't get it out...I've used penetrating oil...will running the car and heating up the exhaust help?

 

it was the 02 sensor....also ran some seafaom through it...runs like new.