DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean. Pontiac Grand Prix 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean

Circuit Description

To provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control, a closed loop air/fuel metering system is used. While in closed loop, the PCM monitors the HO2S 1 signal and adjusts fuel delivery based upon the HO2S signal voltage. A change made to fuel delivery will be indicated by the long and short term fuel trim values which can be monitored with a scan tool. Ideal fuel trim values are around 0%; if the HO2S signals are indicating a lean condition the PCM will add fuel, resulting in fuel trim values above 0%. If a rich condition is detected, the fuel trim values will be below 0%, indicating that the PCM is reducing the amount of fuel delivered. If an excessively lean condition is detected, the PCM will set DTC P0171.

The PCM s maximum authority to control long term fuel trim allows a range between -23% and +16%. The PCM s maximum authority to control short term fuel trim allows a range between -11% and +20%. The PCM monitors fuel trim under various operating conditions (fuel trim cells) before determining the status of the fuel trim diagnostic. The fuel trim cells used to determine fuel trim are as follows:

VIN K

•	Idle, purge commanded (Cell 10).

•	Deceleration, purge commanded (Cell 1).

•	Normal driving, purge commanded (Cell 2).

•	Normal driving, no purge commanded (Cell 6).

•	Idle, no purge commanded (Cell 9).

VIN 1

•	Idle, purge commanded (Cell 10).

•	Normal driving, purge commanded (Cell 2).

•	High flow driving, purge commanded (cell 4).

•	Normal driving, no purge commanded (Cell 6).

•	Idle, no purge commanded (Cell 9).

The vehicle may have to be operated in all of the above conditions before the PCM determines fuel trim status. The amount that fuel trim deviates from 0% in each cell and the amount that each cell is weighted directly affects whether or not the vehicle must be operated in all of the cells described above to complete the diagnostic.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No VSS, TP sensor, EVAP system, HO2S, Misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, Idle speed, Fuel Injector(s), IC/Bypass, EGR Pintle, EGR Flow, ECT sensor CKP sensor CMP sensor, or MAF sensor DTCs set.

•	Engine coolant temperature between 20°C (68°F) and 110°C (230°F).

•	Intake air temperature is between -18°C (0°F) and 70°C (158°F).

•	BARO is greater than 70 kPa.

•	Manifold absolute pressure is between 15 kPa and 85 kPa.

•	Throttle angle is less than 90%.

•	Vehicle speed is less than 82 mph.

•	Mass air flow is between 3 g/s and 150 g/s.

•	Engine speed between 600 and 4000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	Long term fuel trim is at or near maximum authority of +16%.

•	Short term fuel trim is at or near maximum authority of +20%.

•	VIN K - All conditions have been met in Fuel Trim Cells 1, 2, 6, 9 and/or 10.

•	VIN 1 - All conditions have been met in Fuel Trim Cells 2, 4, 6, 9 and/or 10.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.

•	The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.

•	The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

•	The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

•	Heated oxygen sensor wiring: The sensor pigtail may be routed incorrectly and contacting the exhaust system.

•	Poor PCM to engine block grounds: Ensure that the PCM grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Ground Distribution in Electrical Diagnosis.

•	Fuel pressure: The system will go lean if pressure is too low. The PCM can compensate for some decrease. However, if fuel pressure is too low, a DTC P0171 may be set.

Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) .

Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .

•	Fuel injector(s): Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) or Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Outside 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .

•	Vacuum leaks: Check for the following conditions:

-	Disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses.

-	Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram.

-	Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve.

-	Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve .

-	Vacuum leaks at the throttle body, EGR valve, and intake manifold mounting surfaces.

•	Exhaust leaks: An exhaust leak may cause outside air to be pulled into the exhaust gas stream past the HO2S, causing the system to appear lean. Check for exhaust leaks that may cause a false lean condition to be indicated. Refer to Exhaust System.

•	Mass Air Flow sensor: Disconnect the MAF sensor and see if the lean condition is corrected. If so, replace MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .

•	Fuel contamination: Water, even in small amounts, can be delivered to the fuel injectors. The water can cause a lean exhaust to be indicated. Excessive alcohol in the fuel can also cause this condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Poor connection at the PCM: Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.

•	Damaged harness: Inspect the wiring harness for damage.

•	If the harness appears to be OK, observe the HO2S 1 display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the engine harness. A change in the display will indicate the location of the malfunction.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

DTCs other than P0171 may indicate that a condition is present which may cause a lean condition. If this is the case, repairing the condition which caused the other DTC will most likely correct the DTC P0171.

If the DTC P0171 test passes while the Fail Records conditions are being duplicated, the lean condition is intermittent. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for additional information on diagnosing intermittent conditions.

DTC P0171 - Fuel Trim System Lean

Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
1	Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?	--	Go to Step 2	Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2	Are any DTCs set other than P0171?	--	Go to Applicable DTCs	Go to Step 3
3	Start and run the vehicle in closed loop. Observe L.T. Fuel Trim and S.T. Fuel Trim displayed on the scan tool. Are the displayed values greater than the specified value?	+15%	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 4
4	Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data. Clear the DTC P0171 and operate the vehicle to duplicate the Fail Records conditions. Monitor the scan tool Specific DTC info for DTC P0171 while operating the vehicle to duplicate the Fail Records conditions. Continue operating the vehicle until the DTC P0171 test runs and note test result Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0171 failed this ignition?	--	Go to Step 5	Go to Diagnostic Aids
5	Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and improper connections. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 6
6	Visually and physically inspect the crankcase ventilation valve for proper installation. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 7
7	Inspect the throttle body inlet screen for damage or for the presence of foreign objects which may alter the airflow sample through the MAF sensor. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement . Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 8
8	Start the engine and note the idle quality. Is a high or unsteady idle being experienced?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 11
9	With the engine idling, observe the Idle Air Control display on the scan tool. Is the displayed value greater than the specified value? (Value is displayed in counts).	5	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 10
10	Visually and physically inspect the throttle body, intake manifold, EGR valve and the EGR feed pipes for vacuum leaks. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 11
11	Check idle air control system operation. Refer to the Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 12
12	Check the fuel for excessive water, alcohol, or other contaminants. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis . Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 13
13	Visually and physically inspect the PCM injector grounds, power grounds and sensor grounds to ensure that they are clean, tight, and in their proper locations. Refer to Ground Distribution in Electrical Diagnosis. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 14
14	Perform the Evaporative Emissions Control (EVAP) System Check. Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 15
15	Perform the Fuel System Pressure Test. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) or Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 16
16	Visually and physically inspect the intake manifold, injector O-rings, EGR adapter, EGR valve and the EGR feed pipes for vacuum leaks. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 17
17	Visually and physically inspect the exhaust manifold for leaks and loose or missing hardware. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 18
18	Disconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector. Operate the vehicle in closed loop while monitoring the S.T Fuel Trim displayed on the scan tool. Does S.T Fuel Trim decrease to near the specified value?	0%	Go to Step 21	Go to Step 19
19	Check fuel injector operation. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) or Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Outside 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 20
20	Visually and physically inspect the HO2S to ensure that it is installed securely and that the HO2S pigtail and wiring harness are not contacting the exhaust or otherwise damaged. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs . Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Diagnostic Aids
21	Inspect MAF Sensor screen for foreign objects, debris, or damage. Was a Problem found?	--	Go to Step 23	Go to Step 22
22	Replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement . Is action complete?	--	Go to Step 23	--
23	Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data. Clear the DTC P0171. Operate the vehicle to duplicate the Fail Records conditions. Monitor the scan tool Specific DTC info for DTC P0171 while operating the vehicle to duplicate the Fail Records conditions. Continue operating the vehicle until the DTC P0171 test runs and note test result. Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0171 failed this ignition?	--	Go to Step 2	System OK