Hellow Scotty, hope you’re doing well.
Is it safe to go on a long road trip with p0171? | need to go for an approximately 1,200 K miles round trip, but an orange check engine light has been on in my car for the past month and when scanning it shows p0171-system too lean bank 1.
So, is it safe if you go on this long road trip withs issue before repairing it? My car is a 2015 mazda 6.
How lean is the car running? What do your fuel trims look like? Any misfire counts? Have you diagnosed what is causing the code? There are quite a few possibilities.
https://www.carparts.com/blog/p0171-code-system-too-lean-bank-1/
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0171
I would not go on a long trip until the problem is solved. Running too lean can cause misfires (possible catalytic converter damage), loss of power, hard starting, stalling, and more depending on how bad the problem is. You may not be experiencing such symptoms yet but they might start while on the road during a long trip.
@chucktobias I’m still not noticing that the care is running lean. It’s running the same as it was before the code came on.
I appreciate your response and advice. Thanks a lot!
I will do my best to get it checked before I go on the trip.
I’m still not noticing that the care is running lean. It’s running the same as it was before the code came on.
Just because you're not noticing anything doesn't mean there isn't a developing problem. Checking for codes is just the bare beginning of the diagnostic process.
Since there is a code there should be freeze-frame data documenting the conditions that existed when the code was triggered. Have you checked that?
You also need to look at live data (particularly fuel trims in this case) to determine how serious the lean problem is. There may also be misfires at speed that you're not noticing that would show up in the misfire counts. Misfires can damage your catalytic converter if they get bad enough.
Remember, the computer can compensate to an extent but if the problem worsens you'll start to experience symptoms, and being on the road during a long trip when that happens is not a good position to be in.
Is it safe to go on a long road trip with p0171
No. It could be a failing fuel pump. If it gives up completely you're stranded until you drop the tank.
@imperator I have recently changed the fuel pump, so I don’t think it’s what is triggering the code.
it's not uncommon for new parts to fail out of the box. Is it a good OEM pump?
The bottom line is I wouldn't want to be on a trip with a problem that is a mystery.
@imperator yes, the part is Mazda OEM. I also would not want to be on long trip with such code, but I kinda don’t have a choice.
I have recently changed the fuel pump, so I don’t think it’s what is triggering the code.
New parts are not necessarily good parts. Did you install an OEM pump purchased from a trusted source (not Amazon or eBay)?
@chucktobias yes, the pump is Mazda OEM part.
I've driven on that code before. Driving on it just depends on how serious the reason for you having it is. How's the car been acting lately? Here's the Kelly Blue Book on it:
https://www.kbb.com/obd-ii/p0171/
You can spray the MAF sensor with MAF spray, and get it checked out to see if you need a new fuel pump, fuel filter, etc down the line. It's worth checking out if you're going on that big of a trip
@bingray Thanks for the reply and link.
My car has been normal since this code came up. I have recently changed the MAF sensor because the code related to it was there, but kot anymore after i changed the MAF.
Do you think it’s fine to go on this trip in this case and maybe i can get the issue diagnosed further when I arrive to my destination before I head back home since I will probably stay for 10 days before my return trip?
Just be careful while you do. If ya gotta get there you gotta get there. Just be wise about it if the car starts to stall or acts funny and get to a shop or at least to safety and an AutoZone or something.
Getting a second opinion from others or Scotty or a local mechanic near you would be best before the trip. If you had a worse code I'd say no don't roll the dice. But if the car is fine, then go for it, just look into it as soon as you can.
@bingray this been really helpful. Thank you very much bro.
@ahmado you're welcome, safe travels 🌟