Chevy Cruze: What is the P0171 Code? - VehicleHistory (2024)

If your Chevy Cruze just threw a P0171 code, something needs your attention.

What does it mean, why it is on, and how do you fix it? No worries, that’s what we are going to explain here.

What is the P0171 code for the Chevy Cruze?

The P0171 code indicates that the fuel system in part of the engine is running weak or there is a vacuum leak near that side of the engine. This happens when the engine is getting too little gas or too much air.

Now let’s go over a bit of Chevy Cruze history. Then we will go into more detail about the P0171 code. What it means, its causes, symptoms, the severity of it, and what is required to repair it.

A Little Chevy Cruze History

The Cruze is a compact car that entered the market in 2008 and has been produced globally since 2009. This vehicle replaced the Chevy Cobalt in 2010. It is a four-door sedan that was also available as a five-door hatchback in 2011 and as a station wagon in 2012.

Unfortunately, Chevy stopped production of this car in 2019 in the U.S. and Mexico. However, it is still being manufactured and sold in other parts of the world.

A More Detailed Explanation on What the P0171 Code Means

Over time, your vehicle will experience wear and tear on the engine, and it sometimes doesn’t measure the sensors properly. When this happens, the vehicle’s computer will make corrections to the fuel injectors so they can better balance the mixture of fuel and air. This issue will then show the P0171 System Too Lean Bank 1 code.

When the P0171 code is displayed, it might also display a P0174 code as well. This code is what identifies Bank 2 as being lean as well. The proper ratio is 14.7 parts of air to one part fuel. This combination of the two banks is what helps give your vehicle good gas mileage, better performance, and lower vehicle emissions during the combustion process.

What are the Causes of the P0171 Code?

There are several things that could cause the P0171 code to appear. And those problems could be on either side of the mixture, meaning not enough gas or too much air.

• A broken vacuum hose causing a vacuum leak
• A bad fuel pressure regulator, weakened fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter
• A bad mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensors
• Dirty or malfunctioning fuel injectors
• A bad powertrain control module
• An exhaust leak

Diagnosing the P0171 code can sometimes be time-consuming depending on how long it takes the mechanic to find the problem. So, it is not usually a quick fix.

What are the Signs of a P0171 Code Issue?

If you notice any of the following signs on your Chevy Cruze, you probably have a P0171 code issue.

• Power loss, engine hesitation, or engine stalls
• A check engine light
• Engine is coughing or misfiring
• Rough idle
• Car is hard to start
• Damage to the catalytic converter

What is the Level of Severity for a P0171 Code?

P0171 code is considered a critical issue. That means if you see a P0171 code, you should take your car to the mechanic immediately to have it diagnosed and repaired.

While it’s okay to drive your vehicle for a short period of time with the P0171 code showing, you should not wait too long before taking it to the mechanic. For example, only run your car like that until you can get it home and to the mechanic.

So, you should never continue to run your car with the P0171 code before having it fixed. Running your vehicle without fixing the problem that is causing the P0171 code could result in further damage. For example, whatever is causing the issue could make your engine overheat which, in turn, could cause internal damage.

This means it would ultimately end up costing you a lot more in repairs than if you would have had it fixed immediately. So, don’t wait!

What Repairs are Needed to Fix a P0171 Code Issue?

The repairs for the P0171 code will depend on what the mechanic finds which could be any of the following.

• Replacing the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel pressure regulator
• Fixing a vacuum leak, mass airflow sensor, or the oxygen sensors
• Replacing one or more fuel injectors
• Replacing the powertrain control module

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a P0171 Code Problem?

The P0171 code will require a diagnostic check. So, you will have to pay for that in addition to the repair. And since there are any number of reasons for this code to appear, the average price to fix it will vary considerably.

The cost range for repairing the P0171 code issue could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $900 or more.

A Common Chevy P0171 Code Diagnosing Mistake to Avoid

If you have decided to try and diagnose the P0171 code issue yourself, you will want to go through the entire P0171 diagnostic process before replacing anything.

Here is a common diagnosing mistake you will want to avoid. For example, if you get a bad air fuel sensor or O2 reading, you don’t want to assume that’s the problem and replace it just yet. This is because sometimes the real cause is just a dirty or bad mass airflow sensor. Or, it might also be a vacuum leak causing the problem.

So, replacing the air-fuel sensor or O2 sensor isn’t going to fix the problem and you will have wasted your money. You will also have to start the entire diagnostic and repair process all over again.

The bottom line is if you don’t have the proper tools and the knowledge to diagnose and fix this issue, you would be better off taking it to a mechanic to have it fixed right the first time.

What’s Next?

Now that you have the answer to your question, would you like more VehicleHistory about your Chevy Cruze? Or perhaps you would like some history about another vehicle?

Either way, you can click here now to get the history of any vehicle for free. Checking the vehicle history could help you avoid buying a problem vehicle. And, knowing the history of your current vehicle will give you a little insight on any preexisting issues so you know what to watch out for.