Diagnostic Instructions
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0171: Fuel Trim System Lean
DTC P0172: Fuel Trim System Rich
Circuit Description
The engine control module (ECM) controls a Closed Loop air/fuel metering system in order to provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control. The ECM monitors the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) signal voltage and adjusts
the fuel delivery based on the signal voltage while in Closed Loop. A change made to the fuel delivery changes the long and short term fuel trim values. The short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the HO2S signal voltages. These changes fine
tune the engine fueling. The long term fuel trim values change in response to trends in the short term fuel trim. The long term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments to fueling in order to re-center and restore control to short term fuel trim. The ideal fuel trim
values are around 0 percent. A positive fuel trim value indicates that the ECM is adding fuel in order to compensate for a lean condition. A negative fuel trim value indicates that the ECM is reducing the amount of fuel in order to compensate for a rich
condition. The fuel trim cells are based on the engine speed and load.
Conditions for Running the DTC
• | DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0341, P0342, P0444, and P0445 are not set. |
• | The fuel system is in Closed Loop. |
• | The engine coolant temperature is greater than 20°C (68°F). |
• | The DTCs run continuously once the above conditions are met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0171--Euro III Emissions
The average of the short term fuel trim values plus adaptive fuel trim is greater than 28 percent during 300 seconds of the 800 second test period.
P0172--Euro III Emissions
The average of the short term fuel trim values plus adaptive fuel trim is less than -25 percent during 60 seconds of the 1,000 second test period.
P0171--Euro IV Emissions
The average of the short term fuel trim values plus adaptive fuel trim is greater than 28 percent during 60 seconds of the 300 second test period
P0172--Euro IV Emissions
The average of the short term fuel trim values plus adaptive fuel trim is less than -25 percent during 90 seconds of the 300 second test period.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC P0171 and P0172 are Type B DTCs.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P0171 and P0172 are Type B DTCs.
Diagnostic Aids
• | The system will become lean if a fuel injector is not supplying enough fuel - P0171. |
• | A lean condition could be present during high fuel demand due to a fuel pump that does not deliver enough fuel, a plugged fuel filter, or a restricted fuel pipe - P0171. |
• | The system will become rich if a fuel injector is supplying too much fuel - P0172. |
• | Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records with a scan tool. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics
Electrical Information Reference
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
- Engine running, observe the DTC Information with a scan tool. DTCs P0171 or P0172 should not set.
- Ignition ON, observe the scan tool manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor pressure parameter and compare the reading on the scan tool to the barometric pressure table. Refer to
Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure.
⇒ | If MAP sensor pressure is not within the specified range for your altitude, refer to
DTC P0107 or P0108. |
- Engine running, observe the scan tool TP sensor percentage parameter. The reading should be less than 10 percent.
- Observe the scan tool HO2S sensor voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate within 200-800 mV.
- Engine at normal operating temperature, observe the scan tool Long Term FT and Short Term FT parameters. The accumulated value of the FT parameters should be between -25 to +25 percent.
- Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
- Verify the following conditions are not present:
• | Splits, kinks, or improper connections at the vacuum hoses |
• | Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, throttle body, and injector O-rings - P0171 |
• | Leaking crankcase ventilation system - P0171 |
• | The air intake duct for being collapsed or restricted possibly by a restricted air filter - P0172 |
• | Leaking fuel pressure regulator--Inspect for evidence of fuel in the vacuum line. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis - P0172. |
• | Excessive fuel in the crankcase - P0172 |
• | The incorrect operation of the evaporative emission control system - P0172 |
- If all conditions test normal, test the engine for a mechanical condition. Refer to
Symptoms - Engine Mechanical.
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.