A P0171 code frequently denotes a problem with your Toyota’s mass airflow (MAF) sensor, a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor, or both (perhaps in the PCV line or in the valve itself). Naturally, this signal may also indicate a malfunctioning O2 sensor in bank 1.
A P0171 code can also occasionally (but not always) be set off by a clogged fuel injector, a dirty fuel filter that lowers fuel pressure, or even an exhaust leak that occurs before the first O2 sensor. Isn’t diagnosing engine issue codes enjoyable?
- Cleaning the MAF sensor and the lines leading to and from it is typically the best course of action in response to a P017. This usually makes the problem go away.
- Last but not least, replacing your air and fuel filters is always a good idea, especially if they are about to expire.
- Make sure to check all of the lines, including the vacuum and PCV hoses, after cleaning the MAF sensor. Check the lines for kinks, cracks, etc., and replace them as necessary. Additionally, make sure to inspect all of the hoses and connections on the air intake and look for leaks in the intake manifold.
Replace the O2 sensor on bank 1 if cleaning the MAF sensor and checking the lines don’t resolve the issue. For detailed model-specific information regarding its precise placement, consult your Toyota’s manual. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time to seek expert assistance.
On the Toyota Parts website, you may find this article with a complete list of issue codes.
Despite our best efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of this trouble code summary, we cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. Before doing any repairs to your car, please make sure to consult a repair manual for that year and model or call a licensed, professional automotive technician.
In This Article...
What causes the Toyota P0171 error code?
P0171 may typically be fixed by taking the following actions:
- Replace the fuel filter or the fuel pump.
- Fuel pressure regulator should be changed.
- Powertrain control module replacement
- A few injectors should be changed.
- One or more oxygen sensors should be replaced.
- Mass airflow sensor replacement.
- Eliminate vacuum leaks.
How much does a code P0171 repair cost?
A diagnostic check for this code will be necessary; depending on how long it takes to identify the problem, the cost will be around $100. The average cost per repair will be quite variable because there are numerous causes for why an engine runs low. With one of the straightforward fixes suggested above, you might be lucky. A blocked gasoline filter costs $100, while a broken vacuum hose that is sucking in air costs roughly $50. An oxygen sensor or mass air flow sensor, however, can cost between $400 and $500. A damaged gasoline pump might cost anything from $600 to $800.
How to fix the P0171 code?
You must check for and remedy vacuum leaks, fix low fuel pressure, or replace any malfunctioning sensors that could result in a lean mixture on bank 1 in order to resolve the P0171 error code.
What causes P0171 code?
The vacuum or intake leaks, low fuel pressure, broken PCV valves, or malfunctioning MAF sensors are the most typical P0171 code reasons. The P0171 code may also be caused by other factors.
What does P0171 mean?
The O2 sensor detected a lean mixture on bank 1 according to the P0171 error code. If the combination is outside of the sensor’s correction range of +-15%, the p0171 error code will be recorded.
How to clear code P0171?
You require an OBD2 scanner in order to erase or reset the P0171 error code. Keep in mind that simply resetting the code won’t address the root cause of the issue, and it will probably return.
I have the P0171 error, can I drive?
Take the reading carefully whenever your check engine light is on. This regulation does not apply to the P0171 code. You shouldn’t drive your car very far, if at all, when the engine stores this code.
When your engine is running lean, it lacks the fuel it needs to function properly. You run the danger of the car losing its ability to accelerate quickly enough to keep up with oncoming traffic or to climb a steep incline. The vehicle can possibly overheat and break beyond repair.
P0171 codes are more likely to appear in turbocharged vehicles whose boost has been increased. Generally speaking, more air results in more power, but to maintain the ratio, more fuel must be added.
Your car is not using its fuel effectively if code P0171 is present, at the very least. Every time you drive, you’ll waste gas and money.
How serious is P0171?
P0171 code problems are quite significant. A car’s engine will simply not function properly if this code is put in the powertrain control module. Fuel will be wasted significantly and there will be insufficient power when driving if the engine does not maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. To keep your car operating properly, it is a good idea to get this code identified and fixed as soon as feasible.
Can a P0171 code be caused by a filthy air filter?
The air filter or air cleaner component should be examined first. A lean running state occurs when the air flow is restricted or impeded by a clogged or extremely dirty filter.
The P0171 error code can also be caused by a clogged fuel filter and a dirty or malfunctioning MAF sensor in addition to a filthy air filter. Brake cleaner should be used to clean the MAF to help isolate or rule out this possibility.
Another possible cause of the error is a PCV valve that is broken or stuck. In some circumstances, a stuck or malfunctioning fuel injector also sets off the fault code. A clogged or dirty fuel filter may also be to fault for the issue code if the motor is not receiving enough fuel.
However, in some circumstances it can also indicate the presence of a vacuum leak in the PCV or MAF sensor connections. The bad news is that detecting a vacuum leak without the aid of specialized equipment like a smoke tester can be challenging. Sometimes the problem is due to an O2 sensor that isn’t working properly.
Why does lean bank code occur?
The front oxygen sensor determines whether the air-fuel combination entering the engine is lean (too much air and not enough fuel) or rich (the right quantity of air and fuel). It does this by measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust fumes (too much fuel and too little air).
The PCM modifies the fuel delivery accordingly to maintain the air/fuel ratio at 14.7/1, which is the ideal level (14.7 parts of air to 1 part of fuel).
The PCM continuously adds additional fuel when the oxygen sensor detects an excessive amount of oxygen, believing that the air/fuel mixture is lean. The PCM lowers the fuel level when there is insufficient oxygen in the exhaust (rich air/fuel mixture).
Where on the engine is bank 1 located?
Simply put, banks 1 and 2 refer to the engine’s sides. Bank 1 is adjacent to cylinder 1 on that side. The side that has cylinder 2 is Bank 2. If a vehicle has a transverse engine, Bank 1 is often located toward the front of the vehicle.
Checking your car’s repair manual is the simplest way to find the correct cylinder bank. Additionally, you can look for any stamps bearing cylinder numbers on the cylinder head or block.
The crankshaft pulley is located at the front of the engine. The side of the engine that faces the front is not the front.
Because different engines can have cylinder 1 on different sides, you can’t generalize and claim that bank 1 is on the driver’s side or vice versa. Guessing which side bank 1 or bank 2 is on is just confusing and deceptive because people drive on different sides all around the world.
- The side with cylinder number 2 is known as Bank 2. (Cylinders 2468 etc.)
- The side with cylinder number 1 is known as Bank 1. (Cylinders 1357 etc.)
How can you know if an oxygen sensor is malfunctioning?
Symptoms of a Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Check engine light that is illuminated. If you have a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, your dashboard’s bright orange Check Engine light will often glow.
- poor gas mileage
- A rough-sounding engine
- Failure of the Emissions Test.
- a more aged vehicle.
Can a defective O2 sensor result in a P0171?
The check engine light will turn on when the ECM/PCM needs to supply too much gasoline as a result of information from the O2 sensor and receives the problem code P0171. This error code could indicate that the mixture contains either too little fuel or too much oxygen, depending on the oxygen sensor.
What results from an engine running too lean?
The engine in your car is a rather unpredictable component. The air-to-fuel ratio in the engine is one of the elements that must always be accurate in order to provide the power needed to move your car; if they are not, your engine may run lean or rich.
An engine running lean is the exact opposite of an engine running rich—the engine is running lean because there is either too much gasoline or too little air. If these problems aren’t fixed, they could produce knocking or even result in an engine failure. Discover the cause of your engine’s lean running and how to fix it before it’s too late.
Can lean conditions be caused by spark plugs?
The spark plugs don’t affect the fuel mixture on their own. They are just required to set off an ignition so that the fuel mixture can burn. However, faulty spark plugs have a particular ability to deceive oxygen sensors in contemporary vehicles, resulting in a lean situation.
Unburned fuel is one of the main signs of faulty spark plugs. Although incomplete combustion, not a rich situation, is the underlying cause of this problem, the o2 sensor may interpret the problem as a lean condition since the fuel is being released into the exhaust.
As the o2 sensors take some time to attain operating temperatures and communicate the required information, you might not immediately detect the symptoms of a lean fuel mixture.
What does it cost to repair a lean fuel trim system?
“Bank 1 system is too lean
Have you ever experienced this engine-related error code? If so, you might have a problem that needs to be fixed right away in order to prevent more engine damage.
This problem may be a sign of one or more issues with the air-fuel mixture in your car’s engine. Most of the time, there is an imbalance between the two caused by a leak or another problem.
Repairing a vacuum leak, replacing fuel injectors, and replacing the fuel filter are a few common fixes made to address a system too lean bank 1 issue.
The average cost of repairing a “Based on individual repairs, the cost to fix a system too lean bank 1 issue ranges from $80-$950, depending on the repairs or replacements your car needs.
We’ll break down the expenses involved with potential repairs your car might need to address an imbalance in the engine’s air-fuel mixture in our pricing guide. We’ll also go over a few things that could effect how much these repairs and part replacements end up costing altogether.