FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/BMW/5 Series/G30/G31 (2017-2024)/what does the P0171 code mean for my BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024)

what does the P0171 code mean for my BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024)

BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: mediumError Code: P01712-4 hours
3 min read
530 words

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The P0171 code indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a lean air-fuel mixture in the engine of your BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024).

Error Code
P0171
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before working on any components.

Symptoms

  • •Check engine light illuminated
  • •Rough idle or stalling
  • •Decreased engine performance
  • •Poor fuel economy
  • •Unusual engine noise (e.g., backfiring)
  • •Increased emissions

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Scan the vehicle's OBD-II system for error codes to confirm the P0171 code.
  2. 2Inspect the air intake system for any vacuum leaks or damaged hoses.
  3. 3Check the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge to ensure proper delivery from the fuel pump.
  4. 4Verify the operation of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor by testing its readings with a multimeter or scan tool.
  5. 5Inspect the throttle body for carbon buildup or obstructions.
  6. 6Check the fuel injectors for clogs or electrical faults.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Tools Required: OBD-II scanner, fuel pressure gauge, multimeter, socket set, vacuum gauge, cleaning supplies.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid electrical shorts.

2. Inspect Vacuum Leaks

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Visually inspect all vacuum hoses for cracks or disconnections.
    2. Use a smoke machine or apply carburetor cleaner around suspected areas while the engine is running to identify leaks.
    3. Repair or replace any damaged hoses.

3. Test Fuel Pressure

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail.
    2. Start the engine and observe the pressure reading against manufacturer specifications (typically around 50-60 psi).
    3. If pressure is low, check the fuel pump and filter; replace if necessary.

4. Check MAF Sensor

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Disconnect the MAF sensor connector.
    2. Use a multimeter to check the voltage output while the engine is running.
    3. Clean the MAF sensor using MAF cleaner if it is dirty, or replace it if faulty.

5. Inspect Throttle Body

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove the intake duct connected to the throttle body.
    2. Inspect for carbon buildup and clean using throttle body cleaner.
    3. Ensure the throttle plate moves freely.

6. Check Fuel Injectors

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove the fuel rail to access the injectors.
    2. Inspect for clogs and test each injector's resistance using a multimeter (typically around 12-16 ohms).
    3. Replace any faulty injectors.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid electrical shorts.

Parts Required

  • Vacuum hoses (if damaged)
  • Fuel filter
  • MAF sensor (if faulty)
  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Fuel injectors (if faulty)

Additional Information

Error CodeP0171
Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

1 items

Parts

5 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why is my BMW 5 Series using so much fuel lately

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 5 Series is experiencing unusually high fuel consumption, which may indicate underlying mechanical or operational issues.

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased fuel economy
    • +{count} more
  2. why does my BMW 5 Series make a whistling noise when I accelerate

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 5 Series is experiencing a whistling noise during acceleration, which may indicate issues related to air intake, exhaust ...

    Symptoms
    • •Whistling noise increases with acceleration
    • •Possible loss of engine power
    • +{count} more
  3. my BMW 5 Series makes a grinding noise when turning what could it be

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 5 Series is producing a grinding noise when turning, indicating a potential issue with the steering or suspension compone...

    Symptoms
    • •Grinding noise while turning the steering wheel
    • •Possible vibrations in the steering wheel
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024) make a hissing noise when I start the engine?

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024) is producing a hissing noise upon engine start-up, indicating a potential issue with the int...

    Symptoms
    • •Hissing noise during engine start
    • •Possible rough idle or irregular engine performance
    • +{count} more
  5. why is my BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024) steering wheel shaking at high speeds?

    ## Problem Statement The steering wheel of a BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024) is shaking at high speeds, indicating potential issues with wheel balanc...

    Symptoms
    • •Steering wheel shakes or vibrates at speeds above 50 mph
    • •Uneven tire wear
    • +{count} more
  6. how to fix P0706 code in my BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2024)?

    P0706

    ## Problem Statement The P0706 code indicates a problem with the transmission range sensor (or transmission position sensor) in your BMW 5 Series G30/...

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Erratic shifting or inability to shift gears
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation