OT 2002 Oldsmobile Trouble Code

[Aaron Ford]

P0170 System too Lean (Bank 1).

I need to write to GM and ask if they could make the Check Engine Light more fashionable, or perhap practical. Like using it for a map light. Since 30K, the light has been on for one problem or the other. Get it fixed, and the light will stay out sometimes for weeks at a time. But like a bad ex-girlfriend, it always comes back. This last code was read and reset this morning. I figured it was a fluke as some of them are, but this one came back. Quickly. What would cause this code to set? The car is a 2002 Intrigue w/3.5L.

Thanks in advance,

Aaron

 

[LenND]

A friend of mine had that problem with a 1997 Buick. Had it checked different times by the computer and nothing shows wrong. The computer guy at Buick dealership told him to try a different brand of gas-out it went. The one brand of gas had an additive that the sensors didn't like .

 

[Anonymous-0]

Gas Cap;

 

[onefarmer]

O2 sensor for that bank? If you change one change both.

 

[supergrumpy]

trouble codes remind me of the old timers trying to predict the future by looking at animal entrails

suggest checking easy stuff before buying parts, air cleaner, intake hoses, air leaks kinda stuff that could cause a lean mixture

 

[Mike (WA)]

Put some Twinkies over there, by Bank 1. I have found, in my personal situation, that Twinkies are a nearly perfect remedy for lean-ness.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Gas cap--- happens all the time on models... either change the entire cap out (may have a crack in the plastic) or more frequently the "O" ring seal needs to be throughly cleaned and put some vasoline on it to keep it sealed and soft when compressed -- doesn't take much to cause the evap light to function. Also, make sure it is "clicked " enough to be tightly sealed. If it is the cap best to change it out.

 

[dave guest]

Had that problem on a Ford. I looked for all high tech problems. Found intake gasket sneaking out of position and sucking air. Seems like it would run too fast. Like 30 mph idle. You can spray WD 40 around manifold, might show it by changing engine rpm.

 

[Aaron Ford]

The guy at Advance suggested Sea Foam and although I am not a proponent of snake oil, I tried it. Mainly cause we used his reader to display the code... So I kinda paid him 6.87 in rent. Have not seen anything yet. Will try to reset gas cap. I might be able to find some silicone or vasoline in my workshop.

Thanks for the responses, Aaron

 

[Otto Mechanic]

First off its not a gas cap, a gas cap sets a evap fault code, a PO440/442. A lean mixture on one bank of a V type of engine indicates a lean mixture on one bank only. Most likely is a intake vacume leak, if you have access to a scan tool check the fuel trim numbers (long and short term) compare bank one and two should be reading simular. check all vacume hoses for leaks/loose fittings. If the connecters are the same you can switch the front O2 sensers side to side to check and see if the code will switch side to side as well. 02 sensers are failure prone on just about all makes so it may be just the senser. Fouled/dirty injectors with poor spray patterns will also skew fuel trim numbers as well which can set this code althugh it will usally set a fault for both banks. G.M. also has a service bulliton advising not to use after-market K&N type of air filters. Apparently the oil on the filter can cantaminate the mass air flow senser which will also skew fuel trim numbers. The computer looks at the 02 senser voltage and adjusts the mixture untill its happy with the signal (voltage) it sees from the front two 02 sensers. In your case its adding more fuel than is acceptable to make the 02 senser voltage acceptable or the senser is dead and just not responding/producing a voltage.