The P0172 Code on Chevy Silverado (Definition, Symptoms & Solution)

Manufacturers have developed several Generic Onboard Diagnostic Trouble Codes to warn users about any irregularity or failure in the internal system. Modern vehicle models like Chevy Silverado are also equipped with such DTC codes.

Among them, the P0172 is one of the most common and indicates Fuel System Too Rich (Cylinder 1 Bank 1) problem on your Chevy vehicle generated via the Engine Control Module (ECM).

In today’s article, I will provide more details and explain everything you should know to deal with the P0172 code whenever it pops up on your vehicle scanner.

What Does P0172 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

The P0172 code on Chevy Silverado signals that there is a problem with the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle engine.

Before going to further details, let us check out the dissection of the P0172 code:

• p- Powertrain (System of components compelling the Chevy Silverado forward)
• 0-Generic malfunction code generated via ECM or PCM
• 1-Specific System related to the Engine Fuel System Bank 1
• 72-This information indicates that PCM has detected the Fuel system is too rich in the Cylinder 1 Bank 1 due to imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine fuel mixture.

The P0172 means the PCM or ECM has detected an inappropriate air-to-fuel ratio. Due to that, either enough fuel is not entering the engine or the air intake system is not letting enough airflow enter the engine combustion chamber.

Here, Bank 1 means the ECM has detected the issue directly involved with the engine’s Cylinder 1 Bank 1 position

In short, ECM has received information from the Oxygen Sensor that either there is too much fuel or too little oxygen in the engine combustion chamber causing the Fuel system to turn too rich and triggering that P0172 code.

Now you might wonder what Oxygen Sensor has to do with the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio or the Fuel system irregularity.

What happens here is that all the internal components, especially those directly related to the Engine Control Unit correlated.

Thus, if something goes wrong with one function or component, it eventually affects others to work appropriately.

How Does the Whole Process Work?

The Oxygen Sensor is responsible for regularly monitoring the exhaust system. This Sensor mainly calculates how much oxygen and carbon monoxide are present in exhaust gases.

After that, the Oxygen Sensor provides the information to the Powertrain Control Module, and based on that information, PCM/ECM determines whether it is safe to burn fuel or not, and if it is too rich, ECM adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly.

Therefore, when the exhaust lacks enough oxygen in the system, it will fail to support the engine combustion.

As a result, the engine will run rich on fuel and produce excess emissions.

When there is unburned fuel, it increases the fuel ratio in the mixture, and Oxygen Sensor simply detects this as an Oxygen or air shortage problem in the fuel mixture of the vehicle engine.

Similarly, when the air ratio increases in the system than standard, the Sensor interprets it as a fuel/ gasoline shortage.

Here is the twist, the Oxygen Sensor cannot detect the fuel and only detect the air/oxygen level fluctuation.

Is P0172 Code On Chevy Silverado A  Serious Problem?

Yes, it is a serious error code to consider.

Since any malfunction or failure in the engine fuel system or combustion process directly affects the engine performance, you should not ignore it for too long after seeing the P0172 code on your Chevy Silverado.

Otherwise, it will cause severe internal damage to your vehicle engine and other components related to the engine assembly.

Thus, take immediate action to fix or clear it.

What Causes Code P0172 On Chevy Silverado?

Check out the potential causes behind the P0172 code on your vehicle:

• A faulty or clogged Mass Airflow Sensor exaggerates the amount of airflow that enters the engine. This malfunctioning can cause exaggerated fuel delivery to trigger the P0172 error code.
• Even a malfunctioning or faulty Oxygen Sensor can cause such commotion because a faulty Sensor
• It might occur due to a leaking fuel injector because it will let an excess amount of fuel enter the engine combustion chamber.
• Even a defective fuel regulator fails to regulate the pressure going inside the engine and causes excess fuel pressure.
• A vacuum leak, worn out spark plug, contaminated/old engine oil, dirty/clogged air filter, or malfunctioned engine coolant system can lead the PCM to send a signal to trigger the P0172 code.
• If any of the exhaust components like the catalytic converter, exhaust pipe, and muffler turns faulty.
• Faulty Air Intake systems or Malfunctioned PCM (outdated software) can eventually lead to a similar commotion.
• Other potential reasons can b loose wiring connections or damaged wiring.

Common Symptoms Of Getting P0172 Code On Chevy Silverado

Check out the typical signs & Symptoms of getting P0172 code on your Chevy vehicle:

• Besides the Check Engine Warning Light illuminating, you might notice a significant lack in engine power, visible hesitation during acceleration, or accelerating difficulty.
•  When the fuel system turns too rich, you will notice engine performance issues such as rough idling or engine misfiring
• You might also notice higher fuel consumption, see black smoke emitting from the exhaust, or might smell a strong fuel-burning odor coming from inside the exhaust assembly.

How To Fix The P0172 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

After noticing the P0172 code on your Chevy Silverado vehicle, you can follow below explained effortless steps to get rid of that trouble code-

Video: How to Fix P0172 Engine Code in 2 Minutes [Estimated Cost Only $8.77]

1. Scan Your Vehicle to Verify the Error Code

Download the ZUS App via either Apple or Google play store and install it on your smartphone or other similar devices to scan your vehicle.

If you see the error code on the screen just like shown in the above image, it confirms that your vehicle air-fuel mixture is too rich in Bank 1.

Now move to the next step to fix this code.

2. Servicing the MAF Sensor

First, locate the MAF sensor to take it off and service it as required.

The MAF Sensor is located between the air filter and the Throttle body.

Carefully remove the MAF Sensor to inspect it closely and properly.

Mostly the internal wire gets dirty so clean it by spraying MAF cleaner perpendicularly.

After spraying the cleaner on it properly, wipe the Sensor properly with a rag and re-install it accordingly.

3. Servicing the Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen Sensor is usually located in the exhaust manifold of the vehicle, but confirm the location from your model’s user manual.

Then remove the Sensor and inspect it thoroughly.

If required get a new Oxygen Sensor and re-install the new Sensor accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P0172 Code?

Remember, the exact cost varies highly depending on your vehicle’s model, damage level, the current price of the replacement parts you need to fix, and the local labor rate of your servicing area.

The labor cost ranges between $75 and $150 per hour.

However, if you perform the diagnosis & repair or replacement by yourself, you will only have to spend money to purchase the parts.

Replacement Parts	Estimated Price
Vacuum leak (Pump Replacement)	$388 up to $425
Cleaning MAF	$170 up to $251
Replacing MAF	$140 up to $200 or $300
Fuel Pump	$1119 up to $1500
Fuel pressure regulator	$200 up to $400
Air fuel sensor or oxygen sensor	$150 up to $313

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

From its meaning or definition to fix the P0172 code with easy technique, I already explained everything in detail regarding this P0172 error code.

Thus, the next time you see this code popping up, do not panic because you are already aware of the possible reasons behind this and how to fix it.

However, if the solution mentioned in this article fails to clear this code on your vehicle, immediately contact a professional mechanic.