C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Please help with code PO171

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2008 | 11:32 PM
  #1  
Indynick's Avatar
Indynick
Thread Starter
Instructor
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Detroit Area
Default Please help with code PO171

My 95 convertible with 90k miles was idling rough and I was getting a code 32, 63, and 64, using my Auto X-Ray scaner. I took it to the local dealer and he replaced a vacuum valve (no other description on the invoice) and repaired some broken wires to the right O2 sensor. In one week, the rough idle was back. The dealer now says the car has a PO171 code, and wants 2k to do a tune up (plugs, wires, cap, fuel filter, and water pump). I guess I am old school, and think you should find the problem, before you start throwing parts at it. I have rebuilt many Vette engines, carburetors, and brake systems, but have no experience with C4 electronics. I need some direction for my trouble shooting. Since I am still getting the same 32, 63, and 64, plus the PO171, I assume I should be looking at reasons for the lean condition. Too much air or too little fuel. When the engine is idling rough, you can smell the raw fuel, and when I accelerate fast, I blow black smoke out the back. So I think the computer sees a lean condition on the right side, and dumps more fuel to both sides. The extra fuel is not completely burned, and is fouling the plugs. So I think I should start by replacing the fuel filter. Where is it located? The GM Service manual just says it is inline before the fuel injection unit, but does not show where. The next thing to look at is the right side O2 sensor. Check the wiring, and perhaps replace the sensor (why didn’t the dealer change it). Next, look at is the injectors. One or more could be dirty on the right side. Should they be removed for cleaning, or run some Techron thru the tank? The GM Driveability manual says the MAF sensor could cause a lean (PO171) condition, but not set a MAF error code. They suggest disconnecting the wiring, to see if the problem goes away. Can the plug wires be replaced without removing the water pump? Does anyone have any different suggestions, or a change in the order of the testing? Thanks you your help.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2008 | 02:09 AM
  #2  
MaxLean's Avatar
MaxLean
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 686
Likes: 62
From: San Jose Ca
Default

Likely a failed o2 sensor.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:34 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE