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Home >> Acura >> 2014 >> MDX SH-AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Testing & Diagnosis >> Engine Control System - DTC Diagnostics (1 Of 5) (Except Hybrid) >> DTC Troubleshooting >> DTC P0171, P0174

DTC P0171, P0174

DTC P0171  : Rear Bank (Bank 1) Fuel System Too Lean DTC P0174  : Front Bank (Bank 2) Fuel System Too Lean

Special Tools Required 

Vacuum Pump/Gauge, 0-30 inHg Snap-on YA4000A or equivalent, commercially available

NOTE: 

DTC Description Confirmed DTC Pending DTC Freeze Frame
P0171 Rear Bank (Bank 1) Fuel System Too Lean      
P0174 Front Bank (Bank 2) Fuel System Too Lean      

DTC (PGM-FI)

  1. Problem verification-Idle

    -1. Start the engine, and let it idle without load (in P or N).

    - 2. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?

    YES 

    The ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) is too high at idle. Go to step 3.

    NO 

    The ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) is OK at idle. Go to step 2.

  2. Problem verification-On-board Snapshot

    -1. Review the on-board snapshot and record the value of the parameters below when ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) was at its highest point.

    ENGINE SPEED  
    VEHICLE SPEED  
    REL TP SENSOR  
    APP SENSOR  

    On-board Snapshot

    - 2. Drive the vehicle according to the conditions determined above.

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ENGINE SPEED    
    VEHICLE SPEED    
    REL TP SENSOR    
    APP SENSOR    

    - 3. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS while driving.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold under the on-board snapshot conditions?

    YES 

    ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) is too high under the conditions above. Go to step 3.

    NO 

    ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) is OK under the same conditions as the on-board snapshot. The system is normal at this time.

  3. Check for debris in MAF sensor

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Remove the MAF sensor/IAT sensor.

    - 3. Check for lint, bugs, and other foreign objects in the sensor.

    Is there debris in the MAF sensor?

    YES 

    Remove the debris from the MAF sensor and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from the air cleaner housing.

    NO 

    Reinstall the MAF sensor/IAT sensor . Go to step 4.

  4. Check for Disconnected or Damaged Components

    -1. Visually inspect each of the components below for disconnected hoses, cracks, or damage:

    • Crankcase breather hose (A)
    • Air cleaner housing (B)
    • Intake air duct (C)
    • Oil cap (D) and dipstick (E)
    GHH318755Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.
    GHH318756Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

    Are any components disconnected or damaged?

    YES 

    Repair as necessary.

    NO 

    Go to step 5.

  5. Check Brake Booster

    -1. Start the engine, and let it idle.

    - 2. Pinch the brake booster vacuum hose (A) connected to the intake manifold.

    GHH318757Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

    - 3. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS with the vacuum hose pinched.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?

    YES 

    The brake booster is not leaking. Go to step 6.

    NO 

    There is a leak in the brake booster or hoses. Check the brake booster vacuum hoses for leaks. If no leaks are found, replace the brake booster .

  6. Check PCV System

    -1. Continue to let the engine idle.

    - 2. Pinch the PCV vacuum hose (A).

    GHH318758Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

    - 3. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS with the vacuum hose pinched.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?

    YES 

    The PCV system is not leaking. Go to step 7.

    NO 

    There is a leak in the PCV system. Check the vacuum hoses for leaks and repair as needed.

  7. Check MAF Sensor Reading

    -1. Continue to let the engine idle.

    - 2. Make sure the following conditions are met:

    • ECT Sensor 1 above 158 °F (70 °C)
    • Transmission in P or N
    • All engine and electrical loads turned off
    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ECT SENSOR 1    

    - 3. Monitor the ENGINE SPEED in the DATA LIST with the HDS, then hold the engine speed at 2, 500 rpm with the accelerator pedal held steady.

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ENGINE SPEED    

    - 4. While holding the engine speed at 2, 500 rpm for 30 seconds, check the parameter(s) below with the HDS.

    '14model 

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    MAF SENSOR 9.8-13.8 g/s    

    '15-20models 

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    MAF SENSOR 10.2-14.4 g/s    

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?

    YES 

    The MAF sensor is OK. Go to step 8.

    NO 

    The MAF sensor is reading incorrectly. Inspect for a cracked, damaged, or incorrectly installed air cleaner assembly. If OK, replace the MAF sensor/IAT sensor .

  8. Check Fuel Pressure

    -1. Check the fuel pressure under the conditions when ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) is 1.33 or more.

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1    
    ST FUEL TRIM B2    

    Is the fuel pressure between 390-440 kPa (4.0-4.5 kgf/cm2 , 57-64 psi)?

    YES 

    The fuel pressure is OK. Go to step 9.

    NO 

    Check the correct power supply and ground for the fuel pump and if both are OK, replace the fuel tank unit .

  9. Replace Fuel:
    NOTE: There is an increased likelihood of a fuel related issue if the lean condition appeared shortly after refueling. The MIL DIST (MIL Distance) value in the DATA LIST in combination with the fuel level may help you make this determination.

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank, then refill the fuel tank with known-good fuel.

    - 3. Operate the vehicle under the same conditions where ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) was 1.33 or more.

    ENGINE SPEED  
    VEHICLE SPEED  
    REL TP SENSOR  
    APP SENSOR  

    On-board Snapshot

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ENGINE SPEED    
    VEHICLE SPEED    
    REL TP SENSOR    
    APP SENSOR    

    - 4. Start the engine.

    - 5. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS while driving.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold under the on-board snapshot conditions?

    YES 

    The fuel is not the cause of the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value. Go to step 10.

    NO 

    The fuel was causing the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value.

  10. Check for Intake Manifold Vacuum Leaks

    -1. Disconnect the intake air duct from the air cleaner housing.

    - 2. Connect a large intake manifold adapter cone into the intake air duct from the OTC LeakMaster evaporative emissions system tester kit.

    NOTE:  If a large intake manifold adapter cone is not available, leave the intake air duct installed, and remove the brake booster vacuum hose from the brake booster, and inject smoke into the hose.

    - 3. Use the OTC LeakMaster evaporative emissions system tester to direct smoke into the intake manifold.

    - 4. Inspect each of the areas below for signs of leaks:

    • Intake manifold and gaskets
    • Throttle body and gasket
    • Air intake ducting
    • All vacuum and air hoses

    Are there any leaks?

    YES 

    Repair the vacuum leak.

    NO 

    Reconnect any disconnected components, then go to step 11.

  11. Replace Injectors

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Replace the injectors with known-good injectors.

    - 3. Start the engine.

    - 4. Operate the vehicle under the same conditions where ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) was 1.33 or more.

    ENGINE SPEED  
    VEHICLE SPEED  
    REL TP SENSOR  
    APP SENSOR  

    On-board Snapshot

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ENGINE SPEED    
    VEHICLE SPEED    
    REL TP SENSOR    
    APP SENSOR    

    - 5. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS while driving.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold under the on-board snapshot conditions?

    YES 

    The injectors are not the cause of the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value. Go to step 12.

    NO 

    The injectors were causing the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value. Replace the original injectors .

  12. Replace A/F Sensor (Sensor 1)

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Replace the A/F sensor (Sensor 1) with a known-good sensor.

    - 3. Start the engine.

    - 4. Operate the vehicle under the same conditions where ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) was 1.33 or more.

    ENGINE SPEED  
    VEHICLE SPEED  
    REL TP SENSOR  
    APP SENSOR  

    On-board Snapshot

    Signal Current conditions
    Values Unit
    ENGINE SPEED    
    VEHICLE SPEED    
    REL TP SENSOR    
    APP SENSOR    

    - 5. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS while driving.

    Signal Threshold Current conditions
    Values Unit Values Unit
    ST FUEL TRIM B1 More than 1.33      
    ST FUEL TRIM B2 More than 1.33      

    Do the current condition(s) match the threshold under the on-board snapshot conditions?

    YES 

    The A/F sensor (Sensor 1) is not the cause of the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value, reinstall the original A/F sensor. Go to step 13.

    NO 

    The A/F sensor (Sensor 1) was causing the high ST FUEL TRIM (B1, B2) value. Replace the original A/F sensor (Sensor 1) .

  13. EVAP canister purge valve check

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Disconnect the following connector.

    EVAP canister purge valve 2P connector

    - 3. Disconnect the vacuum hose (A) from the EVAP canister purge valve (B) in the engine compartment, and connect the vacuum pump/gauge, 0-30 inHg, to the purge line.

    GHH318759Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

    - 4. Start the engine.

    Does the vacuum gauge indicate vacuum?

    YES 

    Replace the EVAP canister purge valve .

    NO 

    The EVAP canister purge valve is OK. Substitute a known-good PCM - Refer to: PCM Removal and Installation (2016), or PCM Removal and Installation (2014 2015) .