Getting code P0171 1998 4runner

[kakarot]

Ok! just got done fixing my 4runner due to vanilla shake I have replaced radiator,water pump,TS, all belts including number 1 puller and #2 puller, fuel filter,valve gasket both side, all plenum gasket,Trans filter kit.

The car start right up run fine not enough power and I'm clueless when come to error code. I took it to auto zone and they scan it with their OBD2. The code I'm getting is P0171 they tell me it dirty fuel and want me to buy some fuel cleaner like gunk cleaner. Can anyone share some light as how to solved this code.

 

[MAD 69]

The dreaded 'vanilla shake', is that as bad as the strawberry shake? Your O2 sensor in bank 1 detected a lean fuel mix - too much O2 in the exaust. Try cleaning your MAF sensor or run some anti gunk fuel cleaner thru your tank.

 

[TheDurk]

Tank cleaner won't help a dirty MAF, as the MAF sits about 3 feet upstream of where the fuel goes in. Definitely clean the MAF and the throttle body if not done recently. Check for vacuum leaks and do your front O₂ sensor if it has more than 70k on it. These are the easy ones and need to be done, code or no code. If they don't work, then you probably have fuel issues--pump, filter, or injectors. Tank cleaner may help here. But do the MAF, TB and O₂ first.

 

[kakarot]

The vanilla shake is really think I've to flush it 3X.

TheDurk, I will clean the MAF and how do I check for vacuum leak do you need any special tools to do the job. Replacing the O2 sensor bank 1 is that the one on the catalytic converter and do you also need special tool for it.
Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[fightman80]

I can't answer the vaccuum leak stuff, but the 02 Sensor will only require a wrench, or if they are corroded too badly, try heating the bolts/nuts with a torch, and try using some small vice grips, worked for me and my bro-inlaw.

Do as he says though, check and clean your MAF, Vaccuum leaks, and then if that don't work, the 02 Sensor. I had the same code, it turned out to be the 02 sensor, but could have been the other stuff! The 02 sensor he is referring took, is the "Pre-cat" sensor, which is located at the front of the truck, just before the cat. THere is a second sensor located closer to the rear of the truck, that one is the "Post-cat" sensor.

Hope this helps!

 

[kakarot]

fightman80,
Thanks for clarify the O2 sensor if I use a little hand held torch to heat it will
I be in danger of getting blown or on fire because it pretty close to the gas. I just want to verify that it is safe before I attempt to use the torch.

I can't answer the vaccuum leak stuff, but the 02 Sensor will only require a wrench, or if they are corroded too badly, try heating the bolts/nuts with a torch, and try using some small vice grips, worked for me and my bro-inlaw.

Do as he says though, check and clean your MAF, Vaccuum leaks, and then if that don't work, the 02 Sensor. I had the same code, it turned out to be the 02 sensor, but could have been the other stuff! The 02 sensor he is referring took, is the "Pre-cat" sensor, which is located at the front of the truck, just before the cat. THere is a second sensor located closer to the rear of the truck, that one is the "Post-cat" sensor.

Hope this helps!

 

[fightman80]

Hey man,

Actually, I'm pretty sure that all the gas stuff runs on the opposite side of the truck......just double check.

We used a industrial torch, with no issues, just make sure you move the insulation out of the way from where the O2 sensor is....you don't want to burn that.

In the end, it's just ensuring you take your time, and be safe. Make sure you've got the vehicle properly supported! We used a pit, at my brother in-laws work place....he works for a heavy duty diesel shop...they work on Transports and other diesel rigs. Not everyone has access to a pit, but you can do the work with some ramps, or just jacking it up and putting it on jack stands. (the bonus to a lifted rig....you can work under it without jacking it up!)

Good luck with the work! BTW, if it really isn't your bag, you can pay a garage to do it....but will most likely cost you a minimum of what the part costs to buy......In my case....they wanted over $300.00 to buy the part and do the work!

 

[kakarot]

fightman80,
Thanks for the quick response I don't think I can afford the $300 for a mechanic to do my 4runner.
I don't trust them anymore here is what happen to me two yrs ago when I brought my 4runner to a shop call Car-X in MN and have them replace my front shock or strut and timing belts cost is around $1200 to 1400 I don't remember. They did a overall good job but they have ruin my cv-boot on the driver side. The reason I know it's because they have damage the cv-boot from the top like a tool smash on it and it wasn't like a torn and they did not inform me. I know because when I took the car in a for service I have check everything and it was in perfect condition.
I didn't find out until 3months later when I was fixing my sway bar links.
I call them up and they denied that it wasn't them so from know on I will try to fix the issue my self and if I can't then I will have to send it to a mechanic shop.

For the P0171 error code I clean the MAF as many of the user here sub-jested and I also ran a bottle of sea-form I then clear the code, hopefully that will fixed the P0171 code.
I will let you guy know if the code is coming back or not.

Thanks for everyone that help this site is the best.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

stupid P0171!! i just had had this one pop up today, Last time i cleaned my MAF i got a code from that and ended up having to buy a new sensor. dont you just spary it with the MAF cleaner? i know there is a thread here some where.
thanks guys.

BTW would spark plugs have anything to do with this code? i dont think i've ever had them replaced im at about 120K she runs fine though and i still get great gas mileage.

 

[kakarot]

Well guy I guess the code P0171 is gone and I haven't seen it for two days usually it should pop up already. Keeping my finger cross and hopefully will never see it again for a long time. What I did to fixed
1. I use sea-foam
2. Clean the MAF
3. clear the code

 

[DJ Mystic]

Same code

wish I could help ya bit I'm clueless. OK so my problem is I put a new k&N cold intake in my 2000 toyota 4runner 3.4 manual right after I'm getting the same code of PO171
I was told I need a aftermarket maf sensor?? Has anyone herd of this?? That don't seem right. I'm assuming I need o2 sensors.but the code literally started after I put the k&N in. I replaced my maf with new still same code and truck is running like shit. Please help