P0174

[agent007]

so my codes were clear for a few months then all of a sudden the cel comes back on...a few days later it goes off...no it seems to be a pattern of off for a week or so then on for a couple of days...does anyone have any ideas? could it be an o2 going out?

[Midias]

Technical Description

System Too Lean (Bank 2)
What does that mean?

Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 2 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 2 is generally the side of the engine that doesn't have cylinder #1.

Note: This DTC is very similar to P0171, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.
Symptoms

You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.
Causes

A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

* The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters (K&N, etc.) can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled
* There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible Solutions

Possible solutions include:

* In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
* Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
* Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

[ozone]

They make MAF cleaner. It's not expensive and can be found at pretty much any auto parts store.

Just and FYI.

[Dawgz]

yea, its called CRC MAF cleaner.

[agent007]

no i went back to stock air filter and set up...the MAF is about a yr or yr and a 1/2 old...other than my exhaust im stock...again if it goes away and comes back (right now its off since i last reported this): if a vacuum leak- would the cel stay on. MAF is fairly new and in the stock air filter so it whould be dirty...tired of this CEL on and off throughout my ownership, really contemplating on trading her in but would really like to solve this prob...thanks for the help peeps

[Chinky420]

boo S.A. lara's and our CELs....

good luck diagnosing man.

[Dawgz]

so u didnt try to clean the maf?

[agent007]

no i have not cleaned the MAF but cleaned the tb before, but could it (MAF) really get that dirty after a yr or so...like i said i replaced it in march 06 i believe so it is closer to 2 yrs. and it has been the stock air filter and i have been replacing the filters as required. the light just goes on for about 2 days then goes away for a couple of weeks...

[Eye8Pussies]

check for vacuum leaks at gaskets and loose bolts/nuts such as at the tb or intake plenum....it could be possible that hitting hard bumps jars something loose and then you have a temporary vacuum leak. then later, a big bump moves things back and the leak is gone.

just a possibility

[xSolarax]

I've been having this same problem with my car for the past 6 months atleast. The CEL keeps coming back and off and no one can diagnose the problem. One shop was for sure it was a bad MAF and after spending $200+ it was not the problem and came back throwing the same code (PO171 i believe). The MAF has been cleaned so many damn times its not funny.
From what I've been told it was first my aftermarket intake CP-E which when I uninstalled that wasn't the problem. Bad MAF, also not the problem. One shop tested the 02 sensor under the car somewhere i believe and that was reading right numbers. All I know is that the damn light pisses me off whenever it comes back on, so if you get yours fixed let me know and I'll do the same.

[xSolarax]

Maybe what Eye8Pussies is saying about the possiblity of something being jarred around becoming loose is the problem but I've checked the lines multiple times and have tightened them down as I'm sure the shops have done also.... who knows I've almost given up just about to put some electrical tape over the spot where the CEL light comes on so I don't get aggravated

[Eye8Pussies]

besides for lines, a bitch thing to do would be to check ALL your metal gaskets after the maf, so- throttlebody gasket, egr gasket, intake plenum gasket would be the first ones that I would check

also, besides for using visual checks for vacuum leaks, use some throttlebody cleaner and spray it around. if the car then revs, since the cleaner is combustible, you've found your vacuum leak

[xSolarax]

yeah i'll give that a try... i'll let you know if that was it, thanks for that advice

[mazen222]

my check engine keeps going on and off... but unfortunalty it didnt go away since 2 weeks now, im taking it to a garage tomorrow to check the code for $40...
I will let you guys know whats the output

[agent007]

xSolarax- did you find any more solutions? I havent been on in a while but still having the same problem. I thought it was the gas cap at first but it is still coming on and off.