What causes a P0171 engine code?

The P0171 engine codes are caused by the engine running too lean or without much fuel. The only difference lies in their Bank, meaning which side of the engine the issue is. P0171 is triggered when Bank 1 or cylinder 1 is facing lean fuel, and P0174 is triggered when Bank 2 or cylinder no.2 is running lean.

Here are some of the reasons this could be happening:

Fuel pump issue

Just as it sounds, the job of a fuel pump is to deliver gas to the engine. The air-fuel ratio is distorted with too much air when it cannot do this. The fuel pump may need repairing or replacing if it is getting weak and causing the system to run lean. Don’t worry everything can be fixed!

Faulty Mass airflow sensor

If the mass air flow sensor is dirty or faulty, you will certainly get a reading of the P0171. The sensor’s job is to detect the airflow. If it’s too much, it will cause a lean system. But it may not be the case each time. Perhaps the sensor is faulty or dirty and not detecting the correct airflow. In this case, you may need to replace it.

Vacuum leak

Usually, the air intake occurs through the throttle body of the car. The vacuum pump works tirelessly to balance the air-fuel ratio. When there is a vacuum leak, this intake is increased and disrupts the fuel mixture and thus the combustion process.

PCM issues

Issues with the control system or the PCM can also cause a faulty reading. The PCM should be checked and repaired, so the check engine light doesn’t stay on for no reason.

Dirty fuel injectors

Fuel injectors have a great function to play in the car. There are plenty of signs that indicate a clogged injector. Not only does the air-fuel mixture get distorted but also the mileage starts to fall by a significant factor.

It can also cause the RPM needle to wave about even when you’re not changing gears. Rough idling and misfires are also common signs to watch out for.

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Catalytic converter blocked

The converter’s job is to break down the harmful compounds into harmless ones for release into the air through the exhaust pipe. When this gets clogged, it’s even more likely that polluted air will stay inside and sway the fuel mixture.

Clogged fuel filter

The role of a fuel filter is to allow the fuel to get filtered for any debris, dirt, or foreign particles that can potentially disrupt the working of the injector. When this gets clogged or stops working, there will be issues with the overall fuel quality of the engine.

Faulty sensors

There are many sensors in a car and all have a different role to play. It’s the sensors that trigger the PCM for the codes. If the sensors are faulty, they are going to display wrong readings and thus cause the driver to believe that the engine has problems. In this case, the sensors will need repair or replacement to deliver the correct reading of the level of oxygen intake.

Chevy

If you’re driving a Chevy Silverado, or a Chevy Cruze, having a P0171 code might bother you at some point. What it means to have this is that your system is running lean or there is a vacuum leak. Both scenarios have the same possibility of insufficient fuel reaching the pump. The air-to-gas ratio is much too high, and thus the car must also be powering less.

Toyota

If your car is a Toyota Corolla or any Toyota, a P0171 means something slightly different. It indicates that the MAF or mass airflow sensor is faulty or detecting too much air in the tank. There could also be a vacuum leak in the valve of the MAF sensor. It could also be a sign that an oxygen sensor has gone faulty.

Ford

In a Ford, like a Ford F150 or Ford Ranger, the code indicates the first bank of the engine is weak. The weak engine is causing too much oxygen or too little fuel in the mix. There could also be a potential vacuum leak in the valve. The fuel pump could be weak, or the MAF sensor could be dirty. It causes the code to occur.

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