How To Fix a P0171 OBDII Error Code (Troubleshooting and Diagnosing)

By | February 4, 2023

How To Fix a P0171 OBDII Error Code
If you have a vehicle with a P0171 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) is reading a problem with the air/fuel ratio.

An OBDII scan tool will give the error message “P0171 “Bank 1 System Too Lean.”

The P0171 code is a notorious engine error that can be caused by several things.

Unlike many ODBII codes, which point to one specific problem or component, the P0171 code is more involved.

While it is more difficult to troubleshoot, following some basic steps and ruling out possible bad components will help to narrow down and solve the problem.

The procedures to solve a P0171 code will be the same across all vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, and more.

What Is a P0171 OBDII Error Code?

How To Fix a P0171 OBDII Error Code What Is a P0171 Error Code
A P0171 code indicates there is a fuel/air mixture problem on Bank-1 of the engine.

Bank-1 is the side of the engine with the number one cylinder.

A 4-cylinder will only have 1-Bank, while a V6 or V8 engine will have 2-Banks.

Find the side of the engine with the number-1 spark plug, and that will be the side having the issue.

The term Lean means the cylinder is receiving too much oxygen or too little fuel creating a bad lean air/fuel mixture.

The air/fuel mixture needs to be correct when it goes into a cylinder, or it will not burn correctly.

Which Failed Components can Cause a P0171 Error Code?

  • Failing Mass Air Flow Sensor
  • Clogged Fuel Filter
  • Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
  • A Weak or Failing Fuel Pump
  • Vacuum Leak
  • Bad Oxygen Sensor
  • Bad Injector

Possible P0171 OBDII Code Vehicle Symptoms

  • Engine Light Stays On
  • Loss of Power
  • Engine Hesitation
  • Engine Difficult to Start
  • Engine Dies Easily
  • Black Smoke From The Tailpipe

Possible P0171 Error Code Fixes

  • Replace or Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor
  • Replace Fuel Filter
  • Replace Fuel Pump
  • Replace Fuel Pressure Regulator
  • Find and Fix any Vacuum Leak
  • Replace Injector
  • Replace Oxygen Sensors

 

Troubleshooting and Diagnosing a P0171 OBDII Error Code

  • Check Fuel Pressure
  • Check Fuel Pressure
    Testing the fuel PSI with a fuel pressure gauge will quickly show if the problem is the fuel or airflow.

    A fuel pressure gauge is attached to a valve on the fuel rail and will give a pressure that should match the engine’s rated PSI.
    Check Fuel Pressure 2
    For example, a Chevy 5.3L engine is rated for 55-62 PSI at the fuel rail. If the pressure is lower, then low fuel pressure is the issue.

    If the PSI is normal, then the problem is most likely an airflow problem.

    A weak or failing fuel pump can cause the pressure to be off, messing up the mixture.

    A clogged-up fuel filter or pressure regulator can also cause this problem.

  • Mass Airflow Sensor
  • Mass Airflow Sensor
    Several components must work together to get the right air and fuel pressure mix, which includes the mass airflow sensor (MAF).

    A vehicle computer uses the mass airflow sensor to adjust the air mix into the engine.

    For this reason, the mass airflow sensor is commonly cleaned or replaced to fix a P0171 error code.

  • Check for a Vacuum Leak
  • Check for a Vacuum Leak
    A vacuum leak can cause the mass airflow sensor to get a bad reading and cause a P0171 code.

    There are several methods to test for a vacuum leak, including a pressure test or smoke machine test.
    Vacuum Leak Smoke Test
    Some mechanics will spray a liquid around a possible leak location to see if the engine idle changes.

    A smoke machine is also often used with smoke fed into the system, which will come out at the leak location.

  • Test or Replace the Fuel Injectors
  • Test or Replace the Fuel Injectors
    Once a vacuum leak or mass airflow sensor is ruled out next step is to test or replace the fuel injectors.

    The fuel injector may be failing, causing a bad mixture to go into the cylinder.

    There are different methods to test the injectors to see if one has failed.

    For example, If a cylinder is also giving a misfire code, often the injector can be swapped out with a known good to see if the problem follows.

  • Bad Oxygen Sensor
  • Bad Oxygen Sensor
    The onboard computer (ECM) receives data on how much oxygen had been burnt off in the cylinder after combustion using an oxygen sensor.

    If an oxygen sensor fails, the data to the onboard computer will be off, which will cause an issue.

    Modern cars and trucks often have two oxygen sensors or more called upstream and downstream 02 sensors.

    Different methods can be done to troubleshoot a bad 02 sensor.

    For example, an OBDII scan tool’s live data stream feature can help greatly to see if an oxygen sensor is having an issue.

    Have you had a vehicle with a P0171 OBDII error code? Let us know your thoughts below.

Bob Thomas
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