AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0171 Pontiac

P0171 Pontiac Code - Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls a Closed Loop air/fuel metering system to provide the best possible combination of drivability, fuel economy, and emission control. Common causes include Dirty or Restricted Air Filter, Dirty or Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, Intake Air Leaks. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0171 Pontiac indicates Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Dirty or Restricted Air Filter, Dirty or Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, Intake Air Leaks.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 115,669
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 29, 2022
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Code P0171 Pontiac Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls a Closed Loop air/fuel metering system to provide the best possible combination of drivability, fuel economy, and emission control. The ECM monitors the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) signal voltage and adjusts the fuel delivery based on the signal voltage while in Closed Loop. A change made to the fuel delivery changes the long and short-term fuel trim values. The short-term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the HO2S signal voltages. These changes fine-tune the engine fueling. The long-term fuel trim values change in response to trends in the short-term fuel trim. The long-term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments to fueling to re-center and restore control to short-term fuel trim. The ideal fuel trim values are around 0 %. A positive fuel trim value indicates that the ECM is adding fuel to compensate for a lean condition. A negative fuel trim value indicates that the ECM is reducing the amount of fuel to compensate for a rich condition. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the average long-term fuel trim weighted average value is greater or less than a calibrated value.
OBDII Code P0171 Pontiac - Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0171 Pontiac Code - Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0171 Pontiac?

  • Dirty or Restricted Air Filter
  • Dirty or Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
  • Intake Air Leaks
  • Exhaust Gas Leaks
  • Fuel Contamination
  • Faulty or Clogged Fuel Injectors
  • Faulty Front Heated Oxygen Sensor
  • Ignition Misfiring
  • Low Fuel Pressure
  • Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Hose Leaks
  • Engine Control Temperature (ECT) inaccurate readings

How to Fix the DTC P0171 Pontiac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0171 Pontiac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0171 Pontiac Code

1. What does OBDII code P0171 on my Pontiac indicate?

- OBDII code P0171 indicates that the fuel trim system is detecting a lean condition on Bank 1 of the engine.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0171 code in a Pontiac?

- Common symptoms of a P0171 code in a Pontiac may include rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, and a possible check engine light.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0171 code on a Pontiac?

- The possible causes of a P0171 code on a Pontiac include a vacuum leak, faulty oxygen sensor, clogged fuel filter, malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, or issues with the fuel injectors.

4. How can I diagnose a P0171 code on my Pontiac?

- Diagnosing a P0171 code on a Pontiac may involve checking for vacuum leaks, inspecting the oxygen sensor, testing the mass airflow sensor, and ensuring proper fuel pressure.

5. Can a dirty air filter cause a P0171 code on a Pontiac?

- Yes, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, leading to a lean fuel mixture and triggering a P0171 code on a Pontiac.

6. How can I repair a P0171 code on my Pontiac?

- Repairing a P0171 code on a Pontiac may involve fixing any vacuum leaks, replacing the oxygen sensor, cleaning or replacing the mass airflow sensor, and ensuring the fuel system is functioning properly.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my Pontiac with a P0171 code?

- It is not recommended to drive your Pontiac with a P0171 code for an extended period as it can lead to engine damage and decreased performance.

8. Can a P0171 code be triggered by a faulty fuel pump in a Pontiac?

- Yes, a faulty fuel pump can result in insufficient fuel delivery, causing a lean fuel mixture and triggering a P0171 code on a Pontiac.

9. How do I reset the check engine light after fixing a P0171 code on my Pontiac?

- After fixing the underlying issue causing the P0171 code on your Pontiac, you can reset the check engine light using an OBDII scanner or disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes.

10. Will a P0171 code affect my Pontiac's emissions test results?

- Yes, a P0171 code indicating a lean fuel condition can impact your Pontiac's emissions test results, potentially causing it to fail the test.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0171 Pontiac OBDII Code

  • my 2001 sunfire has a error code in the odometer, as well the check engine light is also on

  • PONTIAC G4 P0171 P0700 TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLE SHIFT BOX ... SEE OXYGEN SENSOR CHANGE IMPROVED, BE CAMBOP TRANSMISSION MODULE IMPROVED 80% BUT CONTINUE GIVING THE P0171 P0700

  • My 2001 Pontiac Grand AM was throwing a P0171 code and sputtering at idle. It ended up being the vacuum grommet that plugs into the top of the throttle body had dry rotted, causing a vacuum leak. I replaced it, CEL is out and car runs great. Hope this helps.

  • Thanks for sharing!!

  • My Montana keeps throwing the p0171 code I've replaced both upstream and downstream o2 sensors and still has the code should I replace the maf sensor as well

  • Before you replace any more parts, try to check for vacuum leaks. Make sure there no disconnected hoses. Also, if possible use high octane gas and add a fuel additive for a couple of weeks.

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