P0171 OBD-II Trouble Code

Technical Description

System Too Lean (Bank 1)

What does that mean?

Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 1 has detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder #1. The P0171 is one of the more common trouble codes.

This code is triggered by the first downstream (front) O2 sensor. The sensor provides a reading of the air:fuel ratio leaving the engine's cylinders, and the vehicles powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM) uses that reading and adjusts to keep the engine running at that optimum ratio of 14.7:1. If something is not right and the PCM cannot maintain the 14.7:1 ratio, but rather there is too much air, it triggers this code.

You'll want to also read our article on short and long term fuel trims to help understand the operation of the engine. Note: This DTC is very similar to P0174, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.

Symptoms

You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as:

• a lack of power
• detonation (spark knock)
• rough idle
• hesitation/surge on acceleration.

Causes

A code P0171 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty
  Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor
• Possible cracked vacuum or PCV line/connection
• Faulty or stuck open PCV valve
• Failed or faulty oxygen sensor (bank 1, sensor 1)
• Sticking/plugged or failed fuel injector
• Low fuel pressure (possible plugged/dirty fuel filter!)
• Exhaust leak between engine and first oxygen sensor

Possible Solutions

A lot of times, cleaning the MAF sensor and finding/fixing vacuum leaks fix the problem. If you're on a tight budget, start there, but that may not be the fix for certain. So, possible solutions include:

• Clean the MAF sensor. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace/repair as required
• Inspect all hoses and connections in the air intake system
• Inspect and/or test the intake manifold gaskets for leakage
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
• Ideally you'll want to monitor short and long term fuel trims using an advanced scan tool
• If you have access, you may want to run a smoke test

Related P0171 DTC Discussions

• P0171, P0174, P0102 1999 Windstar LX, 3.8L
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• P0171 in 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 ( 3.5 litter )
  My 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 ( 3.5 litter V6 ) few month ago started generating P0171 System Too Lean Bank 1 (with no changes in engine performance, no loss of power). Check engine light was on for a day or two then would turn off. I started putting premium gas, all winter temperature was below free...
   
• 2002 P12 Nissan Primera keeps throwing up the P0171 code
  Am getting really 4 oxygen sensors frustrated with my car and I need some help. My Nissan Primera has got a total of four oxygen sensor; 2 pre-cat and another 2 post-cat. Both pre-cat oxygen sensors control both bank one and bank 2 respectively. I had the eml light come on and ran diagnostics and it...
   
• 2000 Silverado P0171 P0174 P0420...
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• 2002 mazda protege p0171 code
  Hey guys i have a 2002 mazda protege and reacently checked the car for codes and found that one came out, when i checked it hooked up the scanner i got a p0171 code system too lean (bank 1), and i just have little problems like little miss of power, and like a little hesitation on the take off but t...
   

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