GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Firebird 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0171 or P0174

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the air/fuel metering system in order to provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control. Fuel delivery is controlled differently during open and closed loop. During open loop, the PCM determines fuel delivery based on sensor signals without oxygen sensor input. During closed loop, the oxygen sensor inputs are added and used by the PCM to calculate short and long term fuel trim fuel delivery adjustments. If the oxygen sensors indicate a lean condition, fuel trim values will be above 0 percent. If the oxygen sensors indicate a rich condition, fuel trim values will be below 0 percent. Short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) voltage signals. Long term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments in order to maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. If the PCM detects an excessively lean condition, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0101, P0103, P0108, P0135, P0137, P0141, P0200, P0300, P0410, P0420, P0430, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0506, P0507, or P1441 are not set.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 75-115°C (167-239°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between -20 and +90°C (4-194°F).
    • The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is between 26-90 kPa (3.7-13 psi).
    • The vehicle speed is less than 137 km/h (85 mph).
    • The engine speed is between 400-3,000 RPM.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa (10.7 psi).
    • The mass airflow (MAF) is between 5-90 g/s.
    • The fuel level is more than 10 percent.
    • The throttle position (TP) is less than 90 percent.

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Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The average long term fuel trim cell value is above 23 percent.
    • All of the above conditions are present for 6 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids
    • The system will go lean if an injector is not supplying enough fuel.
    • A lean condition could be present during high fuel demand due to a fuel pump that does not pump enough fuel.
    • Use a scan tool in order to review the Failure Records . If an intermittent condition is suspected, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If conditions were not corrected, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis for a possible fuel problem.

    2.

  2. If conditions were not corrected, a worn cam, worn intake or exhaust valves, or other engine mechanical failure may be the problem.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: If any DTCs other than P0171 or P0174 are set, refer to those DTCs before continuing.

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start and idle the engine at the normal operating temperature in closed loop.
  3. Record the Long Term Fuel Trim.
  4. Turn OFF the engine.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records and record the displayed data for this DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that the long term fuel trim is greater than the specified value?

23%

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3
  1. Operate the engine at idle.
  2. Observe the HO2S parameter with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate that the parameter is within the specified range and fluctuating?

200-800 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4
  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Visually and physically inspect the following items:
    • The vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
    • Ensure that the vehicle has sufficient fuel in the tank. If the fuel pressure is too low this DTC may set. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Check the HO2S for proper installation.
  3. Ensure that the electrical connectors and the wires are secure and not contacting the exhaust system.
  4. Check for a short between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

6

  1. Operate the engine at idle.
  2. Check for any missing, loose, or leaking exhaust components forward of the HO2S.
  3. Check for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, throttle body, and injector O-rings.
  4. Check the air induction system and the air intake ducts for leaks.
  5. Check the AIR system for leaks, improper air delivery, and for the shut-off valves not closing.
  6. Check the crankcase ventilation system for leaks. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

7

Important: After any of the above repairs, use the scan tool Fuel Trim Reset function in order to reset the Long Term Fuel Trim.

  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK