2002 Dodge Caravan P0171

Tiny
O-GAME
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
One morning without warning the van suddenly required multiple attempts to start before it would finally stay running. Later that day the check engine light came on and has recorded code p0171. It takes several attempts at starting (definately not a problem with battery or starter) but once started runs perfectly. Im not sure what part or problem would show up like that only when starting. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 8:52 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Sounds like a fuel issue. Can you check fuel pressure? How long has it been since you changed the fuel filter? If you change the filter, make sure there is no pressure on the system before you take anything loose.

Whatever the cause, the code you listed, was for a lean system.
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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
P0171
Technical DescriptionSystem Too Lean (Bank 1)

What does that mean?Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 1 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder #1.

Note: This DTC is very similar to P0174, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.

SymptomsYou will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.

CausesA code P0171 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.
Possible SolutionsPossible solutions include:

In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 11:45 AM
Tiny
JDL
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I don't know the engine size, but, the 2.4 and 3.3 don't show a maf sensor, for the gasoline engine.

I agree with the moderator, there are other problems that might cause that code to set.
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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
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Your wright jdl123 this part is for o-game the other part is the map sensorthis is what it looks like it is on the intake manifold


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/52960_wl2su3239003_1.jpg

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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
CSMADHATTER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I am having this same problem with this same exact vehicle, 2002 Dodge Caravan. I have replaced the O2 Sensor(downstream), the MAP sensor, and the Fuel Filter. I also checked for vaccum leaks and tested the fuel pressure. I did not find any vaccum leaks but the fuel pressure was a bit funny. Spec on this vehicle is 58psi I believe, and mine was reading 63psi, however instead of the pressure going up when I gave it throttle, the pressure droped to 60psi. I am baffled by this P0171, and the Dodge dealership has no clue either, they told me the only 3 things i've replaced. Anything will help!
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Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
JNOVACK
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You can also clean the egr valve this will also cause the system to run lean or rich
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Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
CSMADHATTER
  • MEMBER
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This model of Dodge Caravan has no EGR valve. However I did clean the throttle plate.
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Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
You also need to test the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

this is the most detailed discription of your 171 code I can come up with

P0171 2T Fuel 1996-2003 Caravan, Town & Country, Voyager
Fuel System Lean (Bank 1) Conditions: Engine running in closed loop, ambient temperature over 20 °F, altitude less than 8,000 feet, and the PCM detected too large an amount of Fuel Trim correction due to a lean A/F condition. Possible Causes: Air leaks in intake manifold, exhaust pipes or exhaust manifold Base engine mechanical problem causing a lean A/F condition Fuel control Sensor is out of calibration (e.G, ECT, IAT or MAP) Fuel delivery component fault (clogged filter, low fuel pressure) O2 element is contaminated, deteriorated or it has failed Vacuum hose is disconnected, broken, leaking or loose
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Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 8:03 PM

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