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OBD-II code · generic

P0171

System Too Lean

System
Fuel and air metering
Severity
Moderate (3/5)
Can I keep driving?
Drive with caution
01

What does P0171 mean?

P0171 is defined as “System Too Lean”. This code indicates a problem in one of the sensor circuits that measure the engine's air and fuel (MAF, MAP, O2, throttle, intake air/coolant temperature).

Drive gently and only as far as you need to; have it checked as soon as possible.

02

Symptoms

  • Check engine light comes on
  • Weak acceleration, poor pulling power
  • High fuel consumption
  • Rough idle, tendency to stall
  • Black smoke from the exhaust (when the mixture is rich)
03

Common causes

  • Dirty or faulty mass air flow (MAF) or MAP sensor
  • Oxygen (lambda) sensor at the end of its life
  • Very dirty air filter or a leak in the intake
  • Poor contact in sensor connectors, wiring damage
04

How to diagnose it

  1. Read the P01xx code and any accompanying codes with an OBD-II scanner.
  2. Remove and visually check the air filter — replace it if it's very dirty.
  3. Remove and clean the MAF sensor (with MAF cleaner spray, without touching it).
  4. Watch oxygen sensor signals in live data — look for rich/lean swings.
  5. Check the intake for vacuum leaks (propane or spray test).
  6. Clean the sensor connectors and check for corrosion and poor contact.
05

How to fix it

  1. Replace the air filter at the scheduled service interval.
  2. Clean the MAF sensor with dedicated spray; replace it if faulty.
  3. Replace a faulty MAP sensor.
  4. Replace the oxygen (lambda) sensor with a genuine-equivalent part (usually lasts 60,000–100,000 km).
  5. Find and repair intake leaks (hoses, gaskets, manifold).
  6. Clear the code and watch lambda values in live data at idle and while driving.
06

Manufacturer-specific meanings

The same code can mean something different on some makes.

  • Kia: Bank 1 System Too Lean
  • Buick: System Lean Bank 1
07

Related codes

08

Look up another code

This page is general information; an exact diagnosis needs measurements and a technician’s check.