Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The system will go lean if an injector is not providing enough fuel.
A lean condition could be present during high fuel demand due to a fuel pump not pumping enough fuel, plugged fuel filter or a restricted fuel line.
Insufficient fuel in the tank or low fuel pressure may cause this DTC to set. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
Review the Failure Records with a scan tool. If an intermittent condition is suspected, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

DTC P0171

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	Are any DTCs other than DTC P0171 also set?	-	Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List	Go to Step 3
3	Install the scan tool. Turn ON the ignition. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records parameter with a scan tool and record the displayed data for this DTC. Start and idle the engine at normal operating temperature in the Closed Loop. Observe the Long Term FT parameter. Does the scan tool indicate that the Long Term fuel trim is more than the specified value?	16.4%	Go to Step 4	Go to Diagnostic Aids
4	Operate the engine at idle. Observe the HO2S 1 and HO2S 2 parameters with a scan tool. Does the scan tool indicate that the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) voltages are within the specified range and fluctuating?	200-800 mV	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 6
5	Turn OFF the engine. Visually and physically inspect the following items: Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections-Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram (L26/L32) . Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (With Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (Without Special Tool) . Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
6	Turn OFF the engine. Inspect the HO2S for proper installation. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Position 1 and Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Position 2 . Ensure that the electrical connectors and wires are secured and not contacting the exhaust system. Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 7
7	Test for a short between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit or ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 9	Go to Fuel System Diagnosis
8	Operate the engine at idle. Inspect for the following conditions: Missing, loose, or leaking exhaust components, from the HO2S forward-Refer to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, the throttle body, and the injector O-rings Air induction system and the air intake ducts for leaks or for a missing air filter element-Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement and Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement . Evaporative canister purge lines plugged or obstructed Properly functioning fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test . 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 9	Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical
9	Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running in 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 10
10	Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?	-	Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List	System OK