General Tech Ask model specific questions in the appropriate category below. All other general questions within.

Help with p0171 (system too lean)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-09-2013, 02:18 AM
  #1  
waulen2980
Thread Starter
 
waulen2980's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: California
Posts: 17
Default Help with p0171 (system too lean)

Switched back from custom tune to stock to pass smog out here in Cali. That seemed to open the can of worms because it subsequently caused the p0171 code. Broke down and took to mechanic and they replaced air intake and and o2 sensor. That still didn't do the trick so they wanted to charge me another $300 to replace MAF sensor. I told them no and ordered one myself since they are easy to install. Also, need to change CAI filter as it's getting pretty old. I cleaned it off well, but still needs to be replaced.


The car runs great, no power loss or rough idle other than that dumb CEL.

After I install that, if I am still throwing the system too lean code, what else could it be?


Thx for help!

Specs- 2007 Mustang GT, 77K miles- no mods other than shorty headers and CAI.

Last edited by waulen2980; 06-09-2013 at 02:22 AM.
waulen2980 is offline  
Old 06-10-2013, 07:13 AM
  #2  
Helo-tech
 
Helo-tech's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 22
Default

it may be time to change your fuel filter if you haven't already done it. it could be plugged up and not flowing enough fuel to the injectors to keep it rich enough.
Helo-tech is offline  
Old 06-11-2013, 06:28 AM
  #3  
petrock
4th Gear Member
 
petrock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 1,670
Default

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171

Most likely its a vacuum leak between the MAF and the cylinders, or an exhaust leak between the block & upstream O2 sensor on the passenger side.

A plugged fuel filter would cause a lean condition on both sides of the motor, but its not a bad idea to change it if you haven’t in a while.

Good luck...
petrock is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 09:46 PM
  #4  
waulen2980
Thread Starter
 
waulen2980's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: California
Posts: 17
Default

Thanks for the suggestions! Actually, its already been checked for vacuum leaks twice and they replaced the intake. Fuel filter was changed, as well. I still have the one code, P0174 (not p0171, mistaken) on bank 2. I'm getting the MAF sensor in the mail tomorrow and so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Any more suggestion? Thanks again!
waulen2980 is offline  
Old 06-15-2013, 05:15 PM
  #5  
petrock
4th Gear Member
 
petrock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 1,670
Default

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0174

I doubt changing the MAF is going to fix your problem since the code is specific to one side of the motor (the drivers side with the p0174 code). If your confident that there are no vacuum leaks, then check for exhaust leaks between the block & first o2 sensor on the drivers side. Its simple to do. Get a squirt bottle of soapy water and hose down the exhaust manifold and where it mounts to the block, the exhaust manifold to exhaust pipe connection, and all the pipes in-between. While its still wet, start the car. If there is an exhaust leak you’ll see bubbles. Good luck...
petrock is offline  
Old 06-20-2013, 09:34 AM
  #6  
moncherou
 
moncherou's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: California
Posts: 40
Default

i recently had that code come up on my mazda, which measures the differential pressure in the filter housing. when i replaced the filter i didn't put the housing back on properly causing a slight diversion around the filter. code came up within 10 miles of driving and made me scratch my head for a bit until i noticed one side of the filter housing was not seated well... hopefully your issue is a simple one like that.
moncherou is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bradleyb
Classic Mustangs (Tech)
3
11-27-2015 07:50 PM
Dathan
V6 (1994-2004) Mustangs
4
10-05-2015 05:52 AM
breaking
Audio/Visual Electronics
5
10-02-2015 01:27 PM
AMAlexLazarus
AmericanMuscle.com
0
10-01-2015 09:21 AM
bradleyb
California Regional Chapter
0
10-01-2015 01:02 AM



Quick Reply: Help with p0171 (system too lean)



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:13 PM.