Lean Codes P0171 P0174

BMW Crankcase Ventilation oil separatorIn the Las Vegas Valley we see a lot of lean codes causing check engine lights. What does this mean? Simply put it your vehicle is requiring more fuel from the fuel injectors than is normal. The why is a little more complicated. It can be from many reasons.

Fuel pressure could be low, requiring a fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator, or even a plugged fuel filter. More common in our hot climate is vacuum leaks. On the majority of cars we service here, there is a metering device for the air that enters into the engine, called an air flow meter. If any air enters the engine un-metered (through vacuum leaks) then this will cause more air than is needed to correctly combust the fuel that your vehicle is programmed to give. Thus the check engine light will illuminate.

There are many other failures that can cause these codes also: valve timing, oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, MAF Sensors, bad gas, etc. This is why getting it checked professionally will always be cheaper than guessing as to the problem. So don’t just get your car worked on, get it fixed. Call 702-608-4227.

-BJ