1/6/2021 DTC P0171 or P0172 • 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt • MotoLogic
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DTC P0171 or P0172
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptors
DTC P0171
Fuel Trim System Lean
DTC P0172
Fuel Trim System Rich
Circuit/System Description
The engine control module (ECM) controls the air/fuel metering system in order to provide the best possible
combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control. Fuel delivery is controlled differently during Open
Loop and Closed Loop (CL). During Open Loop, the ECM determines fuel delivery based on sensor signals without
heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) input. During CL, the ECM adds HO2S inputs and level of purge to calculate the
short and long term fuel trim (FT) adjustments. If the HO2S indicates a lean condition, the FT values will be above
0 percent. If the HO2S indicates a rich condition, the FT values will be below 0 percent. The short term FT values
change rapidly in response to the HO2S voltage signals. The long term FT makes coarse adjustments in order to
maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. A block of cells contain information arranged in combinations of engine RPM and
engine load for a full range of vehicle operating conditions. The long term FT diagnostic is based on an average of
cells currently being used. The ECM selects the cells based on the engine speed and load. The FT diagnostic will
conduct a test to determine if a rich failure actually exists or if excessive vapor from the evaporative emission
(EVAP) canister is causing a rich condition.
If the ECM detects an excessively lean condition, DTC P0171 sets. If the ECM detects an excessively rich
condition, DTC P0172 sets.
Conditions for Running the DTC
DTCs P0030, P0053, P0068, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0116, P0117, P0118,
P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0128, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0201–P0204, P0220,
P0222, P0223, P0300, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0451, P0452, P0453, P0454, P0455, P0496,
P0506, P0507, P060D, P1133, P1516, P2101, P2119, P2120, P2122, P2123, P2125, P2127, P2128,
P2135, P2138, P2176, P2A00 are not set.
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1/6/2021 DTC P0171 or P0172 • 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt • MotoLogic
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The engine is in CL status.
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between −7 and +120°C (+19.4 and +248°F).
The intake air temperature (IAT) is between −7 and +145°C (+19.4 and +293°F).
The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is between 15–100 kPa.
The vehicle speed is less than 132 km/h (82 mph).
The engine speed is between 400–6,100 RPM.
The mass air flow (MAF) is between 1–512 g/s.
The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa.
The fuel level is more than 10 percent.
These DTCs run continuously when the above conditions have been met.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The long term FT weighted average value is more or less than a calibrated value.
The above condition is present for approximately 3 minutes after the conditions for running the DTC have
been met.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTCs P0171 and P0172 are Type B DTCs.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTCs P0171 and P0172 are Type B DTCs.
Reference Information
Electrical Information Reference
Circuit Testing
Connector Repairs
Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
Wiring Repairs
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Important: Disregard any transmission symptoms, antilock brake system (ABS) indicators, and traction control
system (TCS) indicators until any fuel trim faults are repaired. A fuel trim fault may cause default actions such as
harsh shifts and illumination of the ABS/TCS indicators.
Verify that other DTCs are not set.
If any DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. With the engine running, observe the HO2S parameter
with a scan tool. The HO2S value should vary from approximately 40 mV to approximately 900 mV, and
respond to fueling changes.
If the value does not vary from approximately 40 mV to approximately 900 mV, refer to DTC
P0131, P0132, P0137, or P0138 or DTC P0133, P0134, P013A, P013B, P013E, P013F, P0140,
P1133, P2270, P2271, or P2A00.
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1/6/2021 DTC P0171 or P0172 • 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt • MotoLogic
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Important: EVAP purge enablement may cause the FT to be momentarily outside the normal range.
The normal Short Term FT parameter should be between +10 percent and −10 percent, with near 0
percent the optimum, with the engine running at operating temperature.
The Long Term FT parameter should be between +10 percent and −10 percent, with near 0 percent the
optimum, with the engine running at operating temperature.
Circuit/System Testing
P0171
Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. With the engine running, observe the Long Term FT parameter
with a scan tool. The reading should be between 0–20 percent.
If not within the specified range, inspect for the following:
With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, observe the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
parameter. The MAP sensor pressure should be within the range specified for your altitude. Refer to
Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure.
If the MAP sensor does not indicate the correct barometric pressure, refer to DTC P0106.
With the engine idling, observe the mass air flow (MAF) sensor parameter. The MAF sensor parameter
should be between 2–6 g/s at idle.
If the MAF sensor parameter is not between 2–6 g/s at idle, refer to DTC P0101 or P1101 or
DTC P0102 or P0103.
Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and improper connections
Insufficient fuel in the tank
Low fuel pressure—Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis.
Ethanol concentration greater than 15 percent—Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis.
Fuel contamination—Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis.
Malfunctioning fuel injectors—Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis.
Missing, loose, or leaking exhaust components from the HO2S forward—Refer to Symptoms - Engine
Exhaust.
Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, the throttle body, and the injector O-rings
The air induction system and the air intake ducts for leaks or for a missing air filter element
A cracked EVAP canister
Evaporative pipes obstructed or leaking
The crankcase ventilation system for leaks—Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis.
The HO2S for improper installation and for electrical wires or connectors that may have contacted the
exhaust system
The HO2S signal circuit open, shorted to ground, or shorted to the low reference circuit
Malfunctioning engine components—Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical.
P0172
Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. With the engine running, observe the Long Term FT parameter
with a scan tool. The reading should be between −20 and 0 percent.
If not within the specified range, inspect for the following:
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1/6/2021 DTC P0171 or P0172 • 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt • MotoLogic
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With the engine idling and the transmission in the Park or Neutral position, observe the manifold absolute
pressure (MAP) sensor parameter. The MAP sensor parameter should be between 19–42 kPa.
If the MAP sensor parameter is not between 19–42 kPa, refer to DTC P0106.
With the engine idling, observe the mass air flow (MAF) sensor parameter. The MAF sensor parameter
should be between 2–6 g/s at idle.
If the MAF sensor parameter is not between 2–6 g/s at idle, refer to DTC P0101 or P1101 or
DTC P0102 or P0103.
Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and improper connections
The air intake duct for being collapsed or restricted
The air filter for being dirty or restricted
Objects blocking the throttle body
Excessive fuel in the crankcase due to leaking fuel injectors
The EVAP control system for improper operation
Excessive fuel pressure—Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis.
Malfunctioning fuel injectors—Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis.
Fuel contamination—Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis.
The HO2S for improper installation and for electrical wires or connectors that may have contacted the
exhaust system
The HO2S signal circuit shorted to voltage
Repair Instructions
Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement
Air Cleaner Element Replacement
Air Cleaner Outlet Duct Replacement
Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement
Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement
Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement
Evaporative Emission Line Replacement - Engine
Fuel Line Replacement - Chassis
Fuel Injector Replacement
Fuel Pump Module Replacement
Fuel System Cleaning
Fuel Tank Draining
Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Sensor 1
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement
Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
Throttle Body Assembly Replacement
Repair Verification
Important: After repairs, use the scan tool Fuel Trim Reset function in order to reset the Long Term Fuel Trim.
1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
2. Perform any adjustment, programming, or set-up procedures that are required when a component or
module is removed or replaced.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Important: DO NOT clear codes with the engine running. The codes may reset in the same ignition cycle.
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1/6/2021 DTC P0171 or P0172 • 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt • MotoLogic
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4. Clear the DTCs.
5. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
6. Start the engine.
7. Duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if applicable,
in order to verify that the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets, or another DTC is present, refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.
8. To verify that the performance of the catalytic converter has not been affected by the condition that set
this DTC, perform the Repair Verification for DTC P0420. Refer to DTC P0420.
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