P0174 code is a very popular code and it is easy to fix!
P0174 code means the fuel mixture is lean as indicated by the presence of too much oxygen. This code also is similar to P0171 except it occurs in bank 2 opposite bank 1 for the former code. The common symptoms are lack of power, occasional pinging or detonation, maybe the engine running a little bit hot accompanied by hesitation or even surging.
The most common fix is almost always to service your mass air flow sensor. As mention earlier, the mass sensor has a wiring elements which monitors the air flow volume. This same element can be easily corrupted if the air filter is dirty especially the oil soaked type wet type air filter which can be overfilled and saturate the wiring element. If the air filter is not service regularly, dirt could cover the wiring element with unwanted debris.
Tip:
After cleaning the mass air flow sensor and taken the vehicle for a road test, take note if there is a slight change in the engine performance. Also, if after driving it for a while and the code returns (only this time, it took longer to come out), don’t even think about it….replace the mass air flow sensor.
It is always important to mention here to check the basics for lean fuel condition which is caused mainly by a vacuum leak. This requires checking the air filter ducting for cracks or loose mounting that would cause the vacuum leak. Include testing the vacuum hose and the pcv valve which could be defective. As always, if you fix the source of the vacuum leak, this code P0174, along with P0171 will be solved. Otherwise, contact ATS for assistance so a detailed wiring diagram can be sent to you to get a closer inspection of the oxygen and mass sensor circuits.
Thanks!
