P0171 Code

[granniesngtmr98]

hey guys, my car was throwing the SES code and i put my reader on it after startup became difficult. The car used to spring to life and now it cranks and cranks. I know this is the lean bank 1 code and i'm not going to wast time cleaning the MAF, i'm going to replace it before i get stuck...as this car is my only mode of transportation.

MY PROBLEM!!!

Along with this code and the knowledge of my uncle (a 25year ASE mechanic) it's also throwing

P0401...insufficient EGR...does the first code usually trigger this one or does it seem like i have 2 seperate issues??

Thank You

[Dyno Brian]

I am no expert by any means on the 3800. But I tend to believe you have two different issues. I would not think either of these issues would be giving you a hard start problem unless this thing is extremely lean. As far as replacing the maf goes. Do not hesitate to clean the maf. It is my personal opinion that 99% of the maf problems come from a dirty maf. I would buy some electrical parts cleaner and you should be fine. You can pick it up at most automotive part or electronics store. Now as far as egr valve. I think I would remove it and make sure it is not clogged. Carb cleaner and some sort of metal brush should clean up the egr. It might not hurt to soak the valve in Kerosene.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[granniesngtmr98]

well...after clearing the codes i have not had any problem starting the car! However, there are times when the idle is noticably more rough than it has been in the past and i have been noticing some skipping...

...i won't have had time to put a new maf into the car until the weekend of Oct. 6...as i said this car is my daily driver and i go to UConn...that will be the first time i go home.

If the things starts acting stupid i will be sure to post more info for everyone to feed off of...but today is the second day driving the car after clearing the codes and the SES light has stayed off thus far.

thanks for the input

[Dyno Brian]

Something that I think every car should have and I am not saying this because I work for INTENSE is one of the Aeroforce Scan gauges. Very handy and can share a wealth of information with you about what is going on inside your cars engine.

We have them in stock and you are welcome to give me a call and will discuss with you on what they do.

[granniesngtmr98]

i was planning on buying one this summer and ran out of money!

my service engine light came back on and then went off...the car is now idling rough and skipping...

there's another thread in here where a kid has a regal gs having the same problem...replaced his maf...

Another thing stopping me from getting the scan gauge was that i couldn't find a single A-pillar pod...i'm not buying 2 more gauges i don't need ...

i'll prolly buy an aeroforce in the future and mount it in a single pod on my dashboard

[John F]

Hey Sean, Try joining www.conncgp.net , those guys are pretty good and know this motor/car pretty well. I'm sure someone will offer up a hand.

[Nutter78]

I have also been experiencing these problems. My EGR has been removed and cleaned but it still throws the code when I get on it. Just last week the p0171 code appeared only when I get on it. I am going to try and clean MAF this weekend. I have the aeroforce gauge it does work wonders.

[Dyno Brian]

Be sure to monitor Maf frequencey and LTFT's. This will help us pinpoint why P071 is setting.

[Nutter78]

I just printed out the basic tuning listing from the website. I will monitor my aeroforce scan gauge and see what the MAF is reading. What other values should I be concerned w/? I am also going to try and clean EGR once again. Maybe I didn't get it good enough.