What Causes Engine Code P0171

Engine Code P0171 What Causes It

Engine code P0171 is a common problem that can occur in a variety of vehicles. It indicates that the fuel trim system is too lean, meaning that the engine is not getting enough fuel. This can be caused by a number of factors, including

A dirty or clogged fuel filter
A faulty fuel pump
A bad fuel injector
A problem with the mass air flow sensor
A problem with the oxygen sensor

So What Causes Engine Code P0171?

P0171 is a common OBD-II code that indicates that the engine is running lean. This means that there is not enough fuel being delivered to the engine, which can cause a number of problems. The most common causes of P0171 include:

A faulty fuel injector
A dirty or clogged fuel filter
A problem with the fuel pump
A problem with the mass air flow sensor
A problem with the oxygen sensor

What Causes Engine Code P0171

Engine code P0171 is a generic OBD-II trouble code that indicates that the engine’s fuel mixture is too lean. This means that there is not enough fuel being injected into the engine, which can cause a number of problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0171 code can include:

Engine misfires
Poor fuel economy
Increased emissions
Rough idle
Stalling

Causes

There are a number of things that can cause a P0171 code, including:

A faulty fuel injector
A dirty or clogged fuel filter
A problem with the fuel pump
A problem with the mass air flow sensor (MAF sensor)
A problem with the oxygen sensor
A problem with the engine control module (ECM)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a P0171 code can be a bit tricky, as there are a number of potential causes. The first step is to have the vehicle scanned by a qualified technician. This will help to identify the specific code that is being triggered, as well as any other codes that may be present.

Once the code has been identified, the technician will begin to troubleshoot the system. This may involve checking the fuel injectors, the fuel filter, the fuel pump, the MAF sensor, the oxygen sensor, and the ECM.

Repair

Once the cause of the P0171 code has been identified, the technician will be able to make the necessary repairs. This may involve replacing a faulty fuel injector, cleaning or replacing a dirty or clogged fuel filter, replacing the fuel pump, replacing the MAF sensor, replacing the oxygen sensor, or reprogramming the ECM.

Prevention

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent a P0171 code from occurring, including:

Keeping your fuel injectors clean
Changing your fuel filter regularly
Maintaining your fuel pump
Inspecting your MAF sensor and oxygen sensor regularly
Having your ECM reprogrammed if necessary

Conclusion

A P0171 code can be a nuisance, but it is usually not a serious problem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily diagnose and repair the issue.

Also Read: What Causes Engine Misfire Code