02-01-2023, 03:44 AM
|
#1
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 141
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 141
|
P0171 running lean
Hey guys, I'm getting the above code right before my smog is due. I know I previously had issues with one of my 02 sensors but figured it wouldn't hurt to change both out. Only issue though is that I'm only showing one model for denso when I search Amazon. Is it the same part for both sensors or is each one different?
Also, say that's not the issue, what would your next check be? Or would it just be cheaper to get this fixed at a shop considering smog is coming up?
Sorry guys, I have a 99 v6 automatic in California
Last edited by crespoh69; 02-01-2023 at 01:31 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 04:49 AM
|
#2
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 369
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 369
|
There are two possible answers to your question, depending on model & year.
So if you want accurate feedback, specify that in each post. Better yet, put it
in your signature.
This question has been asked hundreds of times. There's a sticky for the best
way to search: Sticky: Alternate Search for T4R - 3rd Gen Section
It might be cheaper to let a shop handle it if you can't diagnose it and start
throwing parts at it.
__________________
'02 Limited 4x4 AT - Stock ~181k miles
Thundercloud aka metallic dirt
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 09:09 AM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 3,151
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 3,151
|
Source of 0171 on my '01 was air intake hose between MAF and plenum, use OEM parts they last far longer....
__________________
2001 Limited 4WD - 346+K - SunfireRed\Thunder Cloud; - 265/75/16 Michelin A/T2s - Fat Pat's 1.5" BL - StopTech ANGLED rotors - In series 699 trans cooler, New Yota1 transmission, All new OEM suspension front to rear.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 09:41 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crespoh69
Hey guys, I'm getting the above code right before my smog is due. I know I previously had issues with one of my 02 sensors but figured it wouldn't hurt to change both out. Only issue though is that I'm only showing one model for denso when I search Amazon. Is it the same part for both sensors or is each one different?
Also, say that's not the issue, what would your next check be? Or would it just be cheaper to get this fixed at a shop considering smog is coming up?
|
Lots of different options for air/fuel and oxygen sensors depending on what you have. We need to know year/engine/transmission and if your 4Runner is a 96-00 we also need to know if it's Federal emissions (1 catalytic converter) or California emissions (2 catalytic converters).
As for the P0171 9 times out of 10 it's a vacuum leak of some kind which can be easily found. With the engine warmed up and running spray carb cleaner/brake cleaner onto the rubber intake pipes and vacuum hoses while listening for any change in engine rpm. Where you spray when the engine rpm changes is where your vacuum leak is.
__________________
2000 SR5 V6 Manual 4WD https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...biography.html
2000 Limited V6 Auto E-Locker Sold 3/2022
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 01:34 PM
|
#5
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 141
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 141
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by heat
There are two possible answers to your question, depending on model & year.
So if you want accurate feedback, specify that in each post. Better yet, put it
in your signature.
This question has been asked hundreds of times. There's a sticky for the best
way to search: Sticky: Alternate Search for T4R - 3rd Gen Section
It might be cheaper to let a shop handle it if you can't diagnose it and start
throwing parts at it.
|
Sorry about that, edited the post. I have a 99 v6 here in California. Anyone know a reliable and affordable mechanic they'd recommend in Riverside?
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 02:06 PM
|
#6
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: UT
Age: 20
Posts: 488
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: UT
Age: 20
Posts: 488
|
I had a P0171 earlier last year, I had a vac leak and that didn't fix it but I hit my MAF with some cleaner and that did the trick.
__________________
----------------
1998 4Runner Limited 4WD w/Rear Locker
281k Miles
Build Thread
----------------
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 05:51 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Posts: 4,410
Real Name: Patrick
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crespoh69
Sorry about that, edited the post. I have a 99 v6 here in California. Anyone know a reliable and affordable mechanic they'd recommend in Riverside?
|
Where you are located does not indicate which emission system you have. You will need to either check the sticker under the hood or crawl underneath and count how many catalytic converters you have.
__________________
2000 SR5 V6 Manual 4WD https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...biography.html
2000 Limited V6 Auto E-Locker Sold 3/2022
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 08:11 PM
|
#8
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: TROY
Posts: 118
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: TROY
Posts: 118
|
My lean code was due to someone putting the throttle body to the plenum gasket upside down.
The only way I found it was by putting a smoke machine on it.
This was after changing sensors, airbox, and hoses, and tightening every single hose clamp or doodad.
__________________
99 4wd limited w/ E/locker
3" RC lift-loaded struts. Sonoran Drop diff and adjustable rear Panhard.
JBA Offroad UCA's, Pro comp Raven 16x8 wheels wrapped in 265/75/16 Gladiator Mt ,APOC INDUSTRIES Rear Trailing arms.
RETIRED USCG Aviation Mechanic/Hc130h Flight Engineer/HH65-A Flight Mech.
SEMPER PARATUS
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-01-2023, 10:26 PM
|
#9
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,278
Real Name: Tim
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,278
Real Name: Tim
|
When you get a too lean code, most of the time it's due to a dirty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor. The sensor wires over time build up dirt on them and don't give a correct reading to the ECU on how much air is entering the engine. It reads the air abnormally low, and thus reduces the fuel delivered and you then get a "Too Lean" condition that the upstream Air/Fuel or O2 sensor is picking up. Once you clean the MAF sensor, the ECU reads correctly how much air is entering the engine and the problem resolves itself.
I've had this CEL pop up twice on one of my 3rd Gens and both times a quick and easy cleaning of the MAF fixed it. Before trying to track down vacuum leaks, clean the MAF and clear the CEL. I bet it doesn't come back.
__________________
"My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
Last edited by mtbtim; 02-01-2023 at 10:28 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-02-2023, 05:14 AM
|
#10
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texmax
My lean code was due to someone putting the throttle body to the plenum gasket upside down.
The only way I found it was by putting a smoke machine on it.
This was after changing sensors, airbox, and hoses, and tightening every single hose clamp or doodad.
|
I did the same thing when I put my engine together.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-02-2023, 10:52 AM
|
#11
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: TROY
Posts: 118
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: TROY
Posts: 118
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 19963.4lsr5
I did the same thing when I put my engine together.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
You didn't work on my 4runner did you? lol! Hey, it's easier than people think to put it in wrong ain't it?
They need arrows on the silly thing.
__________________
99 4wd limited w/ E/locker
3" RC lift-loaded struts. Sonoran Drop diff and adjustable rear Panhard.
JBA Offroad UCA's, Pro comp Raven 16x8 wheels wrapped in 265/75/16 Gladiator Mt ,APOC INDUSTRIES Rear Trailing arms.
RETIRED USCG Aviation Mechanic/Hc130h Flight Engineer/HH65-A Flight Mech.
SEMPER PARATUS
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-02-2023, 12:06 PM
|
#12
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texmax
You didn't work on my 4runner did you? lol! Hey, it's easier than people think to put it in wrong ain't it?
They need arrows on the silly thing.
|
I dumbed upon it. I noticed the edge of the gasket not flush while looking for leaks. My MAF reading was lower on my rig at idle than my other 97 limited was. Spraying didn’t really make a difference until I unplugged the IAC so the computer couldn’t respond. Idle was still a perfect 750 in park and neutral and 600 in gear with the brake on.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-02-2023, 06:21 PM
|
#13
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Age: 36
Posts: 7,337
Real Name: Jerod
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Citrus Heights, California
Age: 36
Posts: 7,337
Real Name: Jerod
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texmax
You didn't work on my 4runner did you? lol! Hey, it's easier than people think to put it in wrong ain't it?
They need arrows on the silly thing.
|
I have done this too. Drove me nuts.
All they had to do was make the top two bolt holes slightly further apart than the bottom two and it'd only go on one way. The problem is that they are a perfect square so one scratches their head trying to figure out what way it goes on...
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-03-2023, 10:52 AM
|
#14
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 316
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 316
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbtim
When you get a too lean code, most of the time it's due to a dirty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor. The sensor wires over time build up dirt on them and don't give a correct reading to the ECU on how much air is entering the engine. It reads the air abnormally low, and thus reduces the fuel delivered and you then get a "Too Lean" condition that the upstream Air/Fuel or O2 sensor is picking up. Once you clean the MAF sensor, the ECU reads correctly how much air is entering the engine and the problem resolves itself.
I've had this CEL pop up twice on one of my 3rd Gens and both times a quick and easy cleaning of the MAF fixed it. Before trying to track down vacuum leaks, clean the MAF and clear the CEL. I bet it doesn't come back.
|
I have had this problem more than once myself. I ran into this issue last September after a super dusty trip through the forest. I know from experience to check the MAF first when this code pops up. The part of the MAF that needs cleaning is the little brown bulb that's exposed. The 2 thermistors inside it are the IAT sensor circuit. I usually just use a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol to gently clean the bulb. It should be shiny. If it's dirty, it will have a dull appearance.
Hops this helps.
Cheers.
__________________
2000 4Runner SR5 Manual Trans Federal Emissions - Eibach Pro-Truck coilovers, LC 7.5/Tokico Black, JBA UCA, SPC 25945 RLLs, Mevotech Supreme RULs, TrakMotive Xtended Travel CV Axles TO-8043ET, South Bend Rally Clutch, ES & Whiteline Bushings, MagnaFlow Cat-Back, Deck-Plate Mod, 4.56 Yukon Gears, Yukon Grizzly Rear Locker, Bushwacker Flares, 16x8 Wheels w/ 285/75 General Grabber AT2, 229K+ Miles
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-03-2023, 11:37 AM
|
#15
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 522
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 522
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zhehan
I have had this problem more than once myself. I ran into this issue last September after a super dusty trip through the forest. I know from experience to check the MAF first when this code pops up. The part of the MAF that needs cleaning is the little brown bulb that's exposed. The 2 thermistors inside it are the IAT sensor circuit. I usually just use a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol to gently clean the bulb. It should be shiny. If it's dirty, it will have a dull appearance.
Hops this helps.
Cheers.
|
For anyone wanting to clean their MAF, this is a great example of how not to do it. Never use anything like a Q-tip which makes direct contact with the MAF to clean it, the sensor is very sensitive and can be easily damaged. Instead, use MAF cleaner which you spray on the sensor to clean it, and importantly will dry clean without leaving any residue on the sensor which can impact the readings.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|