GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2005 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 Accessories 🢒 Navigation Systems 🢒 DTC P0171

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) 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 ECM determines fuel delivery based on sensor signals without heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) input. During Closed Loop, the HO2S inputs are added and used by the ECM to calculate short and long term fuel trim fuel delivery adjustments. If the HO2S indicates a lean condition, fuel trim values will be above 0 percent. If the HO2S indicate a rich condition, fuel trim values will be below 0 percent. Short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the HO2S voltage signals. Long term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments in order to maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. If the ECM detects an excessively lean condition, DTC P0171 sets.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0068, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0136, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0207, P0208, P0300, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0455, P0496, P0506, P0507, P1133, P1134 are not set.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -40 and +140°C (-40 and +284°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between -20 and +152°C (-4 and +304°F).
    • The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is between 15-105 kPa (2.2-15.2 psi).
    • The vehicle speed is less than 132 km/h (82 mph).
    • The engine speed is between 400-6,500 RPM.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 70 kPa (10.2 psi).
    • The mass air flow (MAF) is between 1-250 g/s.
    • The fuel level is more than 10 percent.
    • This diagnostic runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The average long term fuel trim cell value is above 24 percent.
    • The above condition is present for 6 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
    • The system may become lean if an injector is not suppling enough fuel.
    • Excessive resistance in the fuel injector control and/or the ignition 1 voltage circuits may cause the following symptoms:
       - A lean condition
       - Misfire
       - Rough idle
       - Refer to DTC P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0207, or P0208
    • A lean condition could be present during high fuel demand.
    • Review the Failure Records with a scan tool. If an intermittent condition is suspected, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Are any DTCs other than DTC P0171 also set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Install the 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?

24%

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4
  1. Operate the engine at idle.
  2. Observe the HO2S parameters 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 5

Go to Step 6

5
  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Visually and physically inspect the following items:
    3. • The vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections--Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
    • Ensure that the vehicle has sufficient fuel in tank. If fuel pressure is too low, this DTC may set. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Any lean fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Inspect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) for proper installation.
  3. Verify the electrical connectors and the wires are secure, and not contacting the exhaust system.
  4. Test for continuity between the HO2S signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing, Wiring Repairs, and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

7

  1. Operate the engine at idle.
  2. Inspect for any missing, loose, or leaking exhaust components forward of the HO2S.
  3. Inspect for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, throttle body, and injector O-rings.
  4. Inspect the air induction system and the air intake ducts for leaks.
  5. Inspect the secondary air injection (AIR) system for leaks, improper air delivery, and for the shut-off valves not closing.
  6. Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for leaks. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis.
  7. Inspect the evaporative emission (EVAP) lines and components for damage or blockage. Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

8

Important: After repairs, Reset the Long Term Fuel Trim with the scan tool Fuel Trim Reset function.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 9

9

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK