System Too Lean Bank 1
P0171 means the engine computer is adding more fuel than normal on bank 1 because it sees too much air or not enough fuel.
A lean condition can cause hesitation and misfires. Diagnose soon, especially if paired with misfire codes.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Hesitation
- Surging idle
- Poor fuel economy
Likely causes
- Vacuum leak
- Dirty or failing MAF sensor
- Low fuel pressure
- Exhaust leak before O2 sensor
- PCV leak
What to check before replacing parts
Review short- and long-term fuel trims on bank 1
Look for: High positive trims (commonly worse at idle, improving with RPM) mean the computer is adding fuel to compensate for excess air or insufficient fuel — that pattern is this code's fingerprint.
Smoke-test the intake
Look for: Smoke escaping (or a hiss you can hear) at intake boots, gaskets, or vacuum hose connections confirms unmetered air is entering after the MAF sensor, which is the most common cause of a lean code.
Inspect the PCV hoses and valve
Look for: A cracked, split, or disconnected PCV hose, or a PCV valve stuck open, draws in extra unmetered air the same way a vacuum leak does.
Clean and test the MAF sensor
Look for: Visible dirt or oil film on the sensor element, or a grams/second reading that doesn't track expected airflow for RPM, means the MAF is under-reporting air and causing the computer to under-fuel.
Verify fuel pressure
Look for: Pressure below spec (weak pump, clogged filter, failing regulator) starves the engine of fuel and produces the same lean trim pattern as a vacuum leak — rule it out before chasing leaks.
This page explains the generic P0171 definition and is general reference information, not a diagnosis for your specific vehicle. Actual causes, severity, and repairs vary by make, model, engine, and mileage — always confirm with a scan tool and a qualified technician before replacing parts.
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Matching symptoms
Related OBD2 codes
P0171 on your vehicle
Causes ranked from real NHTSA owner complaints for these specific vehicles: