Engine code, what does it mean?

[Woods-Rider]

My check engine light came on when coming back from a light wheeling adventure. the code is po171 and it says "system to lean (Bank 1)". what does this mean? I have the automatic trans. thanks in advance.

 

[Woods-Rider]

I found out that my code means that an oxygen sensor in bank 1 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). I cleaned the MAF sensor thinking that it was just dirty, but that didnt seem to help. any suggestions on where to go from here?

 

[smokey]

could be a vaccum leak. check all your hoses and fittings.

 

[ff2024]

Change the O2 sensor. I had the same thing, changed it out and it's gone. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[MAKG]

Before you blow $60+ on an oxygen sensor, spend it instead on professional diagnosis. Lean codes have quite a lot of potential causes, and they do NOT make good novice projects. It is NOT worth it to guess.

People always seem so quick to blame the oxygen sensor. What would you say if I told you my Prizm was running on two original oxygen sensors, with about 270,000 miles on them? They both work fine; I test them reguarly. While they do get consumed, it's not ANYWHERE NEAR as quickly as people assume. Virtually all oxygen sensors are the same, so don't spout off something silly about Denso sensors.

 

[Woods-Rider]

I called and they want $160 to diagnose it. i was just going to take it in but that scared me away.
as for checking the hoses and fittings, is there somewhere more likely to be the problem where i should start?

 

[MAKG]

Who are "they?" The dealer?

Any competent mechanic can diagnose this. A dealer shirt is no guarantee of competence.

 

[brendank]

I've had places do it for free. Usually if you let them do the repair, then they'll give you the scan for free, otherwise it should be around $40 to run the scan.

In my case, it was a CEL that was diagnosed to be a problem with the o2 sensor on the driver's side. The shop had one in stock, and I was on my way for under $100 labor and parts.

Experience has shown me to stay away from the dealership unless it's absolutely necessary. They've bent me over every chance they've got.

 

[jlc]

Completely agree with your comment on dealers

It happens over and over - they're pros at milking it.