Your Engine Code PO171: What It Means & How to Fix It

Engine Code P0171 What does it mean

P0171 is a generic OBD-II code that indicates that the fuel trim system is too lean. This means that the engine is not getting enough fuel, which can cause a number of problems, including decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and potential engine damage.

There are a number of possible causes for P0171, including

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

So What Does Engine Code Po171 Mean

P0171: What It Means & How to Fix It

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

Symptoms of a P0171 code:

Engine misfires
Poor fuel economy
Increased emissions
Rough idle
Engine hesitation

Causes of a P0171 code:

A faulty fuel injector
A dirty or clogged fuel filter
A problem with the fuel pump
A problem with the MAF sensor
A problem with the O2 sensor

How to fix a P0171 code:

Check the fuel injectors:
If they are clogged or dirty, they will need to be cleaned or replaced.

Check the fuel filter:
If it is dirty or clogged, it will need to be replaced.

Check the fuel pump:
If it is not working properly, it will need to be replaced.

Check the MAF sensor:
If it is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Check the O2 sensor:
If it is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Important:
If you are not comfortable working on your car’s engine, you should have a certified technician diagnose and repair the problem.

What Does Engine Code PO171 Mean?

The P0171 code is a generic OBD-II code that indicates that the fuel trim system is running rich. This means that the engine is getting too much fuel, which can cause a number of problems, including decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and potential damage to the engine.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that a vehicle has a P0171 code, including:

Decreased fuel economy
Increased emissions
Rough idle
Hesitation or stalling
Black smoke from the exhaust

Causes

There are a number of potential causes for a P0171 code, including:

A faulty fuel injector
A dirty or restricted fuel filter
A problem with the fuel pressure regulator
A problem with the mass air flow sensor
A problem with the oxygen sensor

Diagnosis

A P0171 code can be diagnosed by a qualified technician using a scan tool. The scan tool will be able to read the code and provide information about the specific problem. The technician will then use a number of other diagnostic tools, such as a fuel pressure gauge and a multimeter, to narrow down the cause of the code.

Repair

Once the cause of the P0171 code has been diagnosed, the technician will be able to make the necessary repairs. The repairs may include replacing a faulty fuel injector, cleaning or replacing a fuel filter, replacing the fuel pressure regulator, replacing the mass air flow sensor, or replacing the oxygen sensor.

Prevention

There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent a P0171 code, including:

Keeping your fuel filter clean and replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Maintaining the correct fuel pressure
Inspecting and replacing the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor as needed
Avoiding driving your vehicle in stop-and-go traffic for extended periods of time

Conclusion

The P0171 code is a common OBD-II code that can indicate a number of problems. If you have a P0171 code, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine.

FAQs: What does P0171 mean?

What is P0171?

P0171 is a generic OBD-II code that indicates that the fuel trim system is too lean. This means that the engine is not getting enough fuel, which can cause a number of problems.

What causes P0171?

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

A faulty oxygen sensor
A clogged fuel filter
A problem with the fuel injectors
A problem with the fuel pump
A problem with the engine computer

What are the symptoms of P0171?

The symptoms of P0171 can include:

A check engine light
A decrease in fuel economy
A rough idle
A loss of power
A hesitation when accelerating

How is P0171 diagnosed?

P0171 is diagnosed by using a OBD-II scanner to read the code. The scanner will also display the freeze frame data, which can help to identify the problem.

How is P0171 repaired?

P0171 is repaired by fixing the underlying problem. This may involve replacing the oxygen sensor, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pump, or engine computer.

What are the consequences of not fixing P0171?

If P0171 is not fixed, it can cause a number of problems, including:

Engine damage
Reduced fuel economy
Increased emissions
A decrease in performance

It is important to have P0171 fixed as soon as possible to avoid these problems.