What does this code mean that came up on my 97 accord...P0171?

 

engine running lean. my friend just had this come up on his 97 Monday. we are changing the fuel filter first since it's never been changed. next step if needed will be a vacuum leak check, then fuel pressure check. if you haven't changed your fuel filter, do it. there are lots of other reasons this code can be stored, so these are only typical starting points.

 

so its not an o2 sensor?

 

i didn't say that. it's not an O2 sensor code. it's possible that it's a skewed signal from O2sensor, but vacuum and fuel pressure need to be checked out. you can read the O2 values with a scan tool, but if you don't have one, you can use a fast multimeter to backprobe it and watch it that way. Just make sure your fuel system is operating effectively before getting into sensor diagnostics. also make sure you don't have any exhaust leaks in front of the front o2 sensor, although that would likely indicate a rich condition ,P0172

 

thanks... the guy at autozone pulled the code and he was like "o2 Sensor", but i just replaced them 2 years ago. cool so is this something major or can it wait like a week? Money is a little tight...

 

if in fact it was running lean, and since the code is set, the ECM should be adding additional fuel to keep the engine safe, so you should be okay for a little while if you take it easy. Just fix it soon. it shouldn't cost you anything to rent a fuel pressure gauge from autozone and check it. change the filter if you haven't. if you rent a guage, check the pressure at idle with the vacuum line off the pressure regulator and hose pinched off. should be 38-46 psi. with hose attached, 30-37.

Parts guys are trained to sell you parts based on a trouble code. this is why they offer the free scan service. you can't completely diagnose a car with just a trouble code. just get the code and run away.

 

LOL Thanks!

 

the ticket did actually say "fuel too lean"

 

How many miles on your Accord? If less than 150,000, you may still be covered under the 14-year/150,000-mile federal emissions equipment warranty extension depending on the original delivery date of the vehicle. If that's the case, Honda will repair it at no charge to you unless you've been hacking at things under the hood...