DTC P0171: Fuel Trim System Lean: Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 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 and Closed Loop. During Open Loop the PCM determines fuel delivery based on sensor signals, without oxygen sensor input. During Closed Loop, the oxygen sensor inputs are added and used by the PCM to calculate short and long term fuel trim (fuel delivery adjustments). If the oxygen sensors indicate a lean condition, fuel trim values will be above 0 percent. If the oxygen sensors indicate a rich condition, fuel trim values will be below 0 percent. Short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) voltage signals. Long term fuel trim makes coarse adjustments in order to maintain air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. If the PCM detects an excessively lean condition, this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set.