What does it mean when it says System Too Lean Bank 1?

What does it mean when it says System Too Lean Bank 1?

The OBDII trouble code P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1) means that the engine air-fuel mixture is too lean, or there is too much air and too little fuel. Driving a car with the code P0171 can cause more damage to the engine over time, as when the engine runs lean, the combustion temperature is higher.

Is it safe to drive with a P0171 code?

It is okay to drive a vehicle with P0171 for a short period of time, but driving with this code for an extended period of time can overheat the engine and cause internal engine damage.

Can a clogged catalytic converter throw a lean condition?

If the cat is completely clogged so that it wont flow, it would be rich, not lean (more fuel than airflow).

Can a vacuum leak cause catalytic converter?

At its worst, long-term driving with a vacuum leak, elevated temperatures generated by running a lean air-fuel ratio could result in engine damage. Lean mixtures can detonate, damaging pistons and bearings. Higher than normal exhaust temperatures can also lead to catalytic converter meltdown.

What can running lean cause?

In combustion engines, “running lean” goes beyond using gas efficiently. In effect, that status makes the engine perform with less gasoline than it needs to operate properly, and it increase the amount of friction between the engine’s moving parts. Running lean can damage an engine.

Can a bad head gasket cause a lean condition?

Typical vacuum leak culprits that cause this so called lean condition can be your intake manifold leaking, cylinder head gasket leaking, valve cover gasket or gaskets leaking, throttle body gaskets leak, carburetor spacer leak, and of course you can’t forget any of the many, many engine’s vacuum fittings, hoses and or …

Can a bad o2 sensor cause P0171?

Additional Causes of Code P0171 A plugged Fuel Filter or poorly functioning Fuel Pump can set the P0171 code. The computer hears (accurately) from the Oxygen Sensor that the Fuel Mixture is too lean so the computer keeps increasing the amount of fuel being delivered into the combustion chambers.