GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Regal 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 DTC P0171

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the air/fuel metering system in order to provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control. Fuel delivery is controlled differently during Open and Closed Loop. During open loop the PCM determines fuel delivery based on sensor signals, without oxygen sensor (O2S) input. During closed loop, the PCM adds O2S inputs to calculate short and long term fuel trim, fuel delivery adjustments. If the O2S indicate a lean condition, fuel trim values will be above 0 percent . If the O2S indicate a rich condition, fuel trim values will be below 0 percent. Short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the HO2S voltage signals. Long term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments in order to maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. If the PCM detects an excessively lean condition, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0121. P0122, P0123 , P0130, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206 P0300, P0401 P0403, P0404, P0404, P0405, P0410, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0506, P0507, P1404, or P1441 are not set.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 20-110°C (68-230°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 18-70°C (64-158°F).
    • The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is between 15-105 kPa (2.1-15.2 psi).
    • The vehicle speed is less than 132 km/h (82 mph).
    • The engine speed is between 600-4,000 RPM.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 70 kPa (10.1 psi).
    • The mass airflow (MAF) is between 5.0-150 g/s.
    • The fuel level is more than 10 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The average long term fuel trim value is above 20 percent.
    • All of the above conditions are present for 6 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
    • The system will go lean if an injector is not supplying enough fuel.
    • A lean condition could be present during high fuel demand due to a fuel pump that does not pump enough fuel.
    • Using a scan tool, review the Failure Records. If an intermittent condition is suspected, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If conditions were not corrected, refer to Fuel System Diagnostics for a possible fuel problem.

    2.

  2. If conditions were not corrected, a worn cam, worn intake or exhaust values or other engine mechanical failures may be at fault.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: If any DTCs are set, other than P0171, refer to those DTCs before continuing.

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Start and idle the engine at the normal operating temperature in Closed Loop.
  3. Record the long term fuel trim data.
  4. Turn OFF the engine.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records and record displayed data for this DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that the long term fuel trim is greater than the specified value?

23%

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3
  1. Operate engine at idle.
  2. Using the scan tool observe HO2S parameters.

Does the scan tool indicate that the values are within the specified range and fluctuating?

200-800 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4
  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Visually and physically inspect the following items:
    3. • Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections
    • Ensure that the vehicle has sufficient fuel in the tank. If the fuel pressure is too low this DTC may set. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Fuel contamination

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Inspect the HO2S for proper installation.
  3. Inspect to ensure electrical connectors and wires are secured and not contacting the exhaust system.
  4. Inspect for a short between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

6

Operate the engine at idle.

    • Inspect for missing, loose, or leaking exhaust components, forward of the HO2S.
    • Inspect for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold throttle body and injector O-rings.
    • Inspect the air induction system and air intake ducts for leaks.
    • Inspect the secondary air injection (AIR) system for leaks, improper air delivery, shut-off valve not closing.
    • Inspect crankcase ventilation system for leaks. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

7

Important: After repairs, use scan tool Fuel Trim Reset function in order to reset the long term fuel trim.

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK