DTC P0172 or P0175. Chevrolet Express (CNG) 2003

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Express (CNG) 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0172 or P0175

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. CNG 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 (O2S) 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 O2S indicate a lean condition, the fuel trim values will be above 0 percent. If the O2S indicate a rich condition, the 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 16.5:1 while operating on CNG. The fuel trim diagnostic will conduct a test to determine if a rich failure actually exists, or if excessive vapor from the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister is causing a rich condition. The PCM does not perform the excess vapor test on the dedicated CNG fuel system. If the PCM detects an excessively rich condition, DTC P0172 or P0175 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0200, P0300, P0327, P0332, P0335, P0336, P0351-P0358, P0401, P0402, P0403, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0496, P0502, P0503, P1020, or P1258 are not set.

•	The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 75-115°C (167-239°F).

•	The intake air temperature (IAT) is between -20 to +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 throttle position (TP) is less than 90 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	The average long term fuel trim value is below -15 percent.

•	All of the above conditions exist for at least 40 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

•	Fuel contamination, such as water will effect fuel trim.

•	A malfunctioning mass air flow sensor can cause a rich condition and set this DTC. Refer to DTC P0101 in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

•	Use a scan tool in order to review 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.

If the cause of the DTC is not found and corrected, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis for a possible fuel related condition.

On KL6 equipped vehicles, an EVAP canister that is saturated will cause a rich condition. If the condition is not found, a worn cam, worn intake or exhaust valves, or other engine mechanical failure may be the cause of the DTC.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check Alternative Fuels - Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls)

Important: If any DTCs other than P0172 are set, refer to those DTCs before continuing.

Install scan tool.
Start and idle the engine at the normal operating temperature in Closed Loop.
Record the long term fuel trim data.
Turn OFF the engine.
Turn ON ignition, with the engine OFF.
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 less than the specified value?

-15%

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Operate engine at idle.
Observe HO2S parameters with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate that the values are within the specified range and fluctuating?

200 mV-800 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

Turn OFF engine.
Visually and physically inspect the following items:

•	The EVAP lines and components, if equipped, for damage or blockage--Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .

•	The inlet screen of the MAF sensor for blockage.

•	The vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections--Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram

•	The air intake duct for being collapsed or restricted.

•	The air filter for being dirty or restricted.

•	Check for objects blocking the throttle body.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

Turn OFF engine
Inspect the HO2S for proper installation.
Inspect to ensure that the electrical connectors and the wires are secure and not contacting the exhaust system.
Test for continuity between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

Inspect for the following:

•	Excessive fuel in the crankcase (KL6 only).

•	Proper operation of the gasoline fuel pressure regulator (KL6 only). Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

•	All CNG fuel injectors are functioning properly. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

•	All gasoline fuel injectors are functioning properly. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical in the G/H Van Service manual

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

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 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 8

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