Code P0171 I, check engine light car is idling rough?

Tiny
KAYLEEPOE5590
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HYUNDAI ACCENT
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,342 MILES
My car is idling rough when I put it in reverse. If the A/C is on it does if I been driving for a few miles with A/C on and come to a stop light, it idles rough and then does and it smells like I have an exhaust leak. The code that It gave was p0171 I think but the guy said system running too rich not sure he said o2 sensor or MAF sensor.
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 AT 9:50 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,350 POSTS
So the system thinks the exhaust is lean, so it wants to add fuel, this is why you get the smell. This can be caused by the engine misfiring, or you have a leaky fuel injector which would cause double trouble (misfire and stinky exhaust).

P0171 - System Too Lean (Bank 1)

I would go over these guides, both will help you understand what is going on. Then I would remove the spark plugs and look for one that is black, this will be the cylinder that is having the issue.

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

Does your engine have an exhaust leak? This can cause the computer to run rich.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

This goes over the reasons for a misfire, but I can walk you through the steps to fix it if you get back to me on the spark plug condition. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response.

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Thursday, July 10th, 2025 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 175 POSTS
This code po171 is to indicate that there's a lean condition here's a list of a few things that can cause this condition
1.A vacuum leak. Chech all hoses boots ect to see if any are disconnected or cracked. Split or damaged leaking.
2.A leaky intake manifold or other related components.
3.A leaky brake booster or booster hose.
4.A bad MAF sensor
5. A bad o2 sensor
6.A fuel system problem

"Good luck hope this helps ".
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Thursday, July 10th, 2025 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
KAYLEEPOE5590
  • MEMBER
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I have read both responses hadn’t had time to check the car it’s self how eve since asking the w questions iv noticed my car sounds louder then normal the cat under the hood has a bad smell of exhaust coming from it an my engine coolant by pass hose that comes off the thermostat to the endgame head is spraying coolant right wheee the clamp holds it on how hard is that to change? Also I will upload any pics an videos as I go on your reply’s here’s the coolant leak video an in the video you can kinda see the cat that has the exhaust smell coming from it
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Saturday, July 12th, 2025 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
KAYLEEPOE5590
  • MEMBER
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Hose leaking coolant under my engine block
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Saturday, July 12th, 2025 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
MECHTRIX
  • MECHANIC
  • 175 POSTS
Yep its a pretty easy fix. Most likely the coolant is spraying out and dripping down onto the cat and the rest of the hot components down there thats where the smell would be coming from its burning the coolant off might smell a little sweet but that should go away onece you replace that hose and that should be done right away without hesitation and I wouldnt drive the car anymore till its repaired on that note the good thing is while youre doing it you might find some of the other things I meantiined since you be up close in there for a few mins. Hope this helps "good luck "
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Saturday, July 12th, 2025 AT 9:42 PM

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