Chevy Sonic P0171 Code: Everything You Need to Know
The P0171 code on your Chevrolet Sonic means there is a problem with the fuel system on the first bank of the engine. Alternatively, there may be a vacuum leak here in the engine.
In this article, I will discuss all you need to know about the Chevy Sonic P0171 Code. Therefore, to enlighten your knowledge about this particular code and solve your vehicle’s problem, completely read the article about what does P0171 code means on Chevy Sonic and how to fix it.
What Does P0171 Code Mean on Chevy Sonic?
If the engine control module (ECM) notices that the intake air pressure is going up, it might change the rate of fuel injection to make up for it. But the computer may show the code P0171, “system too lean, bank 1” if it finds that the fuel and air are not mixed correctly.
The code P0171 will trigger whenever the PCM and ECM are forced to supply an excessive amount of fuel in response to information received from the O2 sensor. As a result, the check engine light will turn on.
The P0171 code means the vehicle computer is showing the air-fuel mixture is lean, either too much air or not enough fuel. When the engine receives either too little or too much fuel, it enters a lean state.
How Serious Is P0171 Code on Chevy Sonic?
All readings from the check engine light should always be taken seriously. The P0171 code is not an exception and can cause a significant problem. If this error code is present in the powertrain control module of the vehicle, the engine will not operate as expected.
Lack of power and excessive fuel consumption result from an improper air/fuel ratio in the engine. Therefore, the vehicle may not be able to keep up with traffic. The vehicle could overheat and sustain irreparable damage.
If you want your car to function smoothly again, you should get this code checked out as soon as possible and fix whatever needs to be fixed.
Causes of P0171 Code on Chevy Sonic
The lean fuel mixture in the Chevrolet Sonic is often a source of trouble. But the part that is responsible for causing this is not always the same.
Possible explanations for the P0171 error code are as follows:
- In the Chevrolet Sonic, a vacuum leak is a common cause of the P0171 error code. It is the result of damaged intake manifold gaskets, and vacuum and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hoses.
- This problem is also caused by a weak or damaged fuel pump. Fuel atomization in today’s fuel-injected engines requires very high fuel pressure. When the fuel pressure is not high enough, the fuel does not atomize as efficiently, and your vehicle will not get the best possible air-to-fuel ratio.
- Exhaust gas leaks can also contribute to the cause of the problem.
- A malfunctioning mass air flow (MAF) sensor is another cause of the problem. The mass air flow (MAF) sensor determines how much air enters the engine. If it has damaged, the air-fuel ratio will be inaccurate and the P0171 code will be shown.
- Defective fuel injectors may also contribute to this issue. A faulty fuel injector or several of them can cause issues with the air-to-fuel ratio.
- A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can generate a false reading and trigger the code. Therefore, the P0171 code is recorded when the oxygen sensor or several of them detect insufficient exhaust oxygen.
- A clogged air filter is not the most common cause of a code being set, but it could be the cause of the P0171 code on your car.
In addition to the aforementioned cause intake air leakage, fuel contamination, ignition misfiring, and inaccurate engine control temperature (ECT) measurements are also responsible for the P0171 code.
Symptoms of P0171 Code on Chevy Sonic
When the Chevrolet Sonic displays the error code P0171, there are a few odd symptoms that indicate that something is wrong with the vehicle. In the vast majority of instances, the symptoms are so mild that it is highly unlikely that you will notice all of them at the same time.
However, the following symptoms may be present in some cases as a result of this code:
- Having trouble getting the car to start
- The malfunction indicator light (MIL) is illuminated or flashing
- Rough idling
- Insufficient power from the engine
- Engine Stall
- Sputtering from the engine
- Engine “coughing” or misfiring
- Spark plug tips become white
The visibility of these symptoms will be enhanced at moderate speeds. At higher speeds, where the engine uses more air, it can handle leaner conditions better.
Some of these symptoms may appear before the check engine light comes on. If this code is stored for a long time, it could cause damage to the catalytic converter.
Solution of the P0171 Code on the Chevy Sonic
In order to take the appropriate actions to repair the problem with the fuel system on the first bank of the engine, it will be necessary to pinpoint the specific cause of the problem.
Following the steps stated below, you will first need to appropriately diagnose the code before proceeding with any necessary fixes. Here are the steps necessary to diagnose the P0171 error code:
- First, using a vacuum gauge, check for suction leaks in the engine. When the engine is turned off, check for suction leaks. Because the hissing sound a vacuum leak makes is usually only audible when the engine is turned off.
- After that, the fuel pressure sensor and the mass airflow (MAF) sensor can be inspected with a fuel pressure gauge. To keep the ideal air-to-fuel ratio in the engine, the vacuum and fuel pressure must remain within the specified ranges.
- If all of these inspections are conducted and no abnormalities are detected, the powertrain control module is most likely at fault.
The P0171 code in your car can be readily fixed once you have determined the underlying cause of the problem.
The following is a list of steps that you can try to fix the P0171 error code:
- If the vacuum makes a hissing sound, then it may leak. Fix the vacuum leak.
- If the problem is in the fuel pressure sensors, you have to replace the fuel pressure regulator. You may also need to change the fuel pump or fuel filter depending on the severity of the problem.
- You may need to change the mass air flow sensor if the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine is not within the specified ranges.
- If the problem is in the powertrain control module, it needs to be replaced.
It is recommended that you should follow the factory repair information when attempting to diagnose and fix diagnostic trouble codes.
Cost to Fix the Chevy Sonic P0171 Code
I have already discussed the causes of the P0171 code. Error code P0171 may be caused by one of the problems mentioned above, and fixing any one of them should fix the error.
If the P0171 code on a Chevrolet Sonic is caused by a vacuum leak, faulty mass air flow sensor, or oxygen sensor, the repair will cost between $100 and $400. However, if the problem is the fuel pump, it will cost a lot to replace.
In addition, you should anticipate paying between $75 and $150 per hour for labor work for testing and fixing the problem. The P0171 error code of the Chevrolet Sonic costs 1 hour of work to figure out.
Can You Drive Your Chevy Sonic with Code P0171?
When a vehicle is running on a lean mixture, it causes more pollution because it makes nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful to the environment.
In addition, lean vehicles are more likely to misfire because hydrocarbons from unburned fuel get into the catalytic converters.
It is recommended not to drive a vehicle with the lean fuel trim code P0171 since this code can cause damage to the engine’s internal components if it persists for an extended period of time. It affects performance and can result in costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Chevrolet included the Sonic in their lineup of subcompact automobiles?
For the 2012 model year, Chevrolet debuted the Sonic. It replaced the Aveo as Chevrolet’s new subcompact automobile. Since then, it has been sold in North America and parts of Asia as the Chevrolet Sonic.
What is the most common diagnostic mistake associated with the P0171 code?
The most common mistake made when trying to figure out what the P0171 code means is not looking for technical service advisories.
What severity does a P0171 code indicate?
The severity of a P0171 code is critical. A diagnostic check should be performed quickly to establish the specific problem.
Will the P0171 code go away on its own?
Most likely, it won’t happen. The sooner it is examined after discovering this code, the better.
Conclusion
After reading this article on what does P0171 code means on Chevy Sonic and how to fix it, you should no longer be worried if it shows up on your car’s screen. Just read this article and do what it says.
If you still have problems after trying these solutions, you should get help with the complex changes from a professional. Most of the time, though, this means going to a local auto shop to get the problem fixed and the light turned off.
Sources
http://p0171.enginetroublecode.com/chevrolet-sonic
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/threads/p0171-code-replace-fuel-injector.21390/
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/threads/p0171-code-replace-fuel-injector.21390/
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/threads/p0171-code-replace-fuel-injector.21390/
