1997 sr5 P0171 code???

[Southern_Momma]

I am really trying to figure this out with your help rather than get :bash: at a local shop.

I bought a 96 4 runner with 280K miles on it with a check engine code, hard to handle steering wheel, and def something going on with the alignment/frame/shocks or lack thereof. It has an after market exhaust system. Anyway, it at least would crank up with some hella power and run fine so I wasn't too worried. Drove it all around for a couple of days, then I filled the gas tank up and had the oil changed.

Went to crank the truck up after I left the oil place and ran to the store and it has given me the same problem ever since... it tried to turn over but then "shuttered" and didn't fully crank up. for about 10 mins. Reeeeally long story somewhat shorter, the code that has pulled back is P0171. If I only run the truck up the road, it will crank up fine. If I run it any amount of time it is like something inside is warm and won't crank up for anywhere from 10-60 mins... depending on how long I drove it. If I try and try to turn it over it ranges from what seems like a little skip to a full on shutter to a popping with a shutter to the smell of horrible bad gas. I need to add that this has been going on for a couple months.. and I have tried getting gas at 7 different locations. It def does NOT have the same power as it did the first couple of days. One thing that a stranger showed me was to take the exhaust off and put a "shot" of gas from a bottle in it and crank and that works like 7 out of 10 times on the first try. What the hell does that mean?

WHERE DO I START? Tell me what to replace or clean or check first and I will go down the list. With all the videos out there I should be able to just about anything myself and with the right tools. Said the woman with a messed up truck... Thanks guys n gals!

 

[Mike&Ike]

So the first thing I would do is clean your MAF. Do this and report back with your findings. Do you mean shooting gas down the intake? If so that means you are not getting enough fuel that you need.

EDIT:Also be sure to only use MAF cleaner as they are pretty sensitive.

 

[5vzT4R]

I am having that same code, although mine is not running any different other then a stumble in the idle every now and then and alil worse gas mileage.
I have cleaned my MAF sensor, throttle body, replaced the fuel filter and my check engine light still came back on. So I cleared the code again, replaced two bad vaccum lines and will put some seafoam in the tank and Im going to see if this helps any. If not, looks like I will be replacing my MAF or front O2 sensor..

This code means you are running lean, to much air and not enough fuel. Usually a dirty or bad MAF sensor or a bad O2 sensor. Check and replace if needed, check all of your vaccum lines, fuel filter, and run some seafoam through it before you go replacing expensive sensors.

Hope this helps some.

 

[Southern_Momma]

Ok, so tomorrow I am cleaning the MAF, I have found where that is. Questions:

1) Is there an 02 sensor on top? I found the one underneath but I understand there is another one on top somewhere???

2) If there is supposed to be an 02 sensor on top, could the previous owners have taken the top 02 sensor off and left it off when putting the after marker exhaust on or is that a stupid question?

3) How would I know if my 4runner still has the cat converter on it? I was told today that the truck's problem may be that they removed the converter when putting on the after market exhaust and the only way to fix it is to get a regular exhaust system put back on... i call bull shit but what do I know? I asked a female co-worker about this theory and she said since the exhaust has the normal "water-drip" out the end that the converter is still there. Can anyone shed light??

4) Anyone up for just fixing all the problems with my truck for free????

 

[Southern_Momma]

So the first thing I would do is clean your MAF. Do this and report back with your findings. Do you mean shooting gas down the intake? If so that means you are not getting enough fuel that you need.

EDIT:Also be sure to only use MAF cleaner as they are pretty sensitive.

I know you said be sure to only use MAF cleaner... I know you said it... but I gotta ask. I saw a MAF cleaning tutorial on youtube and the guy used rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip..... yay or nay? I am cleaning the MAF sensor tomorrow and will let you know what I find.

Yes, I mean shooting gas down the intake. So, if I am not getting enough fuel... does that mean I would waste my time cleaning the MAF? Would it be a moot point to try to figure out how to change all the spark plugs or would that have nothing to do with the issue?

 

[Mike&Ike]

Ok, so tomorrow I am cleaning the MAF, I have found where that is. Questions:

1) Is there an 02 sensor on top? I found the one underneath but I understand there is another one on top somewhere???
There are two 02 sensors, both are on the bottom. There is one before the cat and one after.
2) If there is supposed to be an 02 sensor on top, could the previous owners have taken the top 02 sensor off and left it off when putting the after marker exhaust on or is that a stupid question?
Yes, but there would be 02 sensor codes.
3) How would I know if my 4runner still has the cat converter on it? I was told today that the truck's problem may be that they removed the converter when putting on the after market exhaust and the only way to fix it is to get a regular exhaust system put back on... i call bull shit but what do I know? I asked a female co-worker about this theory and she said since the exhaust has the normal "water-drip" out the end that the converter is still there. Can anyone shed light??

This pictures shows your upstream 02 as well as the cat. Water dripping from your exhaust is just condensation built up in your exhaust.
4) Anyone up for just fixing all the problems with my truck for free????
no

Answers are in red.

I have only used MAF cleaner while cleaning a MAF and I have never had problems. I would rather not risk it trying other things.

If your MAF is sending a false signal from being dirty, it can send to your computer that it is not getting enough air and to cut back fuel when in all reality it is getting enough air.


It would not hurt to change the spark plugs, but it is not causing the issue at this time.

 

[Southern_Momma]

Thank you so much! I pretty much love you right now. This saved my ass for sure. Will update you tomorrow!!!! Thanks again!
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:hail: