P0171 and P0174 bank 1 running lean

G. WITTMAN

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
6.2L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
20,400 MILES

I bought this c6 a couple months ago. It was in my neighbors garage for at least 5 years that I know of. Because of health reasons she couldn’t get in or out of it, so after 6 months of talking to her, I finally got it.
I’ve been getting an engine light off and on. Friends code reader says 7E8 bank 1 running lean. Replaced the coil, plug look fine. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Update 12//26.

So I read on here that someone brought up taking their car to a smog station to have the codes read. Well, I took mine and it came up a P0171, and P0174. I guess my friends reader was out of date.
Both are fuel trim system lean, bank 1&2.

Any ideas? Car has after market exhaust, and vortex air box that were on when bought. The car runs great, but the check engine light comes on one minute, and off the next. Should the car be driven?
Thanks again.

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,940 POSTS

Hello,

When both banks are lean this usually point toward a failing fuel pump or the MAF needs replacement. Here is a guide to help us with the lean condition. Does it have fresh fuel? If not drive it to the gas station and filler up and clear the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/repair-lean-mixture-codes-p0171-or-p0174-on-some-manufacturers

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 AT 6:26 PM

G. WITTMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Ken
Thanks for your prompt reply. I’m hoping these pictures get attached. As I mentioned before, the air box is after market. The MAF is not on the box itself, as I hope you can see. There is a plug on the drivers side, and something else on the other side. I’m assuming the MAF is right there.
I’ve driven the car around 1,400 miles, and plenty of gas has gone through it. I know for a fact the engine light wasn’t on when o bought the car, but like I said, it’s on one minute, 30 mins later it’s off.
Planning to go through the list you sent tomorrow. Thanks again!

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 AT 6:18 PM

G. WITTMAN

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4 POSTS

I forgot to include a picture of the air filter. It was dirty when I got the car, but I cleaned it and replaced without oiling it.
Thanks again

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Thursday, November 28th, 2019 AT 6:09 AM

G. WITTMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Ken,

Found the MAF sensor, remember on a scale of 1-10 I might be a 4, but I do love cars. The plug was on tight, but the sensor where it entered that rectangular hole was as loose as a goose. I pulled out the sensor and it looked brand new, not a crumb of dust. I noticed there was a rubber gasket around it, but no way was it seated to that tube. Right now I’m waiting for a code reader that I ordered so I can clear it and see what happens. Crossing my fingers it was this simple.
Thanks again

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 9:00 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,940 POSTS

The first thing I would do is remove the aftermarket unit and replace it with stock. Also even though the sensor looks clean it can be still off. You can try cleaning it which sometimes works. here is a guide to help show you how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

The sensor must be sealed to the air intake. Please let us know what you find.