2001 Toyota Corolla P0171 Lean Code

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DRDEBS
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Hey,
I have a 2001 Toyota Corolla 1.4 with 100,000 miles. I got this code, P0171 (I think) something or other was "lean." Anyway, I was advised to change the O2 sensor. So, when the light came on again after I had it changed I got the same code. SO, I had the other O2 sensor replaced. Honestly, I had no clue there were two of them when I had the first one replaced! Now the car runs terribly! What could be the problem?? I would REALLY appreciate your advice! Thanks,
Dr. Debs
May 9, 2007 at 4:55 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
[quote:806ad16a95="drdebs"]Hey,
I have a 2001 Toyota Corolla 1.4 with 100,000 miles. I got this code, P0171 (I think) something or other was "lean." Anyway, I was advised to change the O2 sensor. So, when the light came on again after I had it changed I got the same code. SO, I had the other O2 sensor replaced. Honestly, I had no clue there were two of them when I had the first one replaced! Now the car runs terribly! What could be the problem?? I would REALLY appreciate your advice! Thanks,
Dr. Debs[/quote:806ad16a95]

PO171 engine running lean can be caused by other than the O2 sensors.

* Low fuel pressure due to a weak pump or leaky fuel pressure regulator. (use a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure at idle)

* Dirty fuel injectors. (try cleaning the injectors)

* Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, vacuum hose connections or throttle body. (Use a vacuum gauge to check for low intake vacuum)

* Leaky EGR valve. (Check operation of EGR valve)

* Leaky PCV Valve or hose. (Check valve and hose connections)

* Dirty or defective Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). (Try cleaning the MAF sensor wires or filament with aerosol electronics cleaner. Do NOT use anything else to clean the sensor, and do not touch the sensor wires)
May 9, 2007 at 5:43 PM
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LOSTINMARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 222 POSTS
mass airflow meter is bad/dirty. extremely common. you could try cleaning it, but i gave that up. replacing them on the yotas isn't too bad. should be around $130 from toyota. make sure to get a factory one not one from a place like autozone.
May 14, 2007 at 2:28 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not assume the O2 sensors fixed P0171. Check fuel pressure, vacuum leaks, injectors, EGR, and PCV, and clean or replace a dirty or faulty MAF with a factory Toyota sensor.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Toyota Corolla with about 100,000 miles reported a P0171 lean code. Both oxygen sensors were replaced, but the code returned and the car then ran poorly. Experts said a lean condition can also come from low fuel pressure, dirty injectors, vacuum leaks, a leaky EGR or PCV valve, or a dirty or defective MAF sensor. One expert said a bad or dirty MAF is common and recommended a factory replacement rather than an aftermarket unit.

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