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P0172

P0172 Bank 1 System Too Rich

System Description
To provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control, a Closed Loop air/fuel metering system is used. While in Closed Loop, the powertrain control module (PCM)/engine control module (ECM) monitors the oxygen sensor (O2S) signal voltage and adjusts fuel delivery based on signal voltage. A change made to fuel delivery will be indicated by the long and short term fuel trim values which can be monitored with the scan tool. Ideal fuel trim values are around 128 (0%). If the O2S signal is indicating a lean condition, the PCM/ECM will add fuel resulting in fuel trim values above 128 (0% to 100%). If a rich condition is detected, the fuel trim values will be below 128 (0% to -100%). indicating that the PCM/ECM is reducing the amount of fuel delivered. If exhaust emissions reach an excessive level due to a lean or rich condition, a fuel trim Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
- No OBD II intrusive tests are active, except fuel trim intrusive.
- DTC(s) P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0336, P0337, P0341, P0342, P0351, P0352, P0402, P0404, P0406, P0443, P0506, P0507, P1404, P1130, P1133, P1134, P1171, P1441, and P1627 not set.
- Throttle position (TP) is less than 95%.
- Engine speed is greater than 400 rpm but less than 6000 rpm.
- Barometric Pressure (BARO) is greater than 72.3 kPa.
- Coolant temperature is between 165 °F (74 °C) and 234 °F (112 °C).
- MAP is between 24 and 100 kPa.
- Intake Air Temperature (AT) is between -40 °F (-40 °C) and 248 °F (120 °C).
- Airflow is between 0.008 and 200 g/sec.
- Vehicle speed is less than 101 mph (163 kph).
- System is in closed loop.
- Adaptive index is ready.
- System voltage is greater than 11.0 volts.
- Canister purge Duty Cycle (DC) is less than or equal to 0%.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignitions in which the diagnostic runs with the fault active.
- The PCM/ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
- A history DTC is stored.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
- The MIL will turn off after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault within the freeze frame conditions that the DTC failed.
- A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
- DTC(s) can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

IMPORTANT: After repairs use the scan tool Fuel Trim Reset function to reset long term fuel trim to 128 (0%).

Check for a poor connection at the PCM/ECM. Inspect the harness connectors for the following conditions:
- Backed-out terminals
- Improper mating
- Broken locks
- Improperly formed
- Damaged terminals
- Poor terminal-to-wire connection

Check for a damaged harness. Inspect wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the O2S 1 display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harness related to the engine harness. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault.

If a DTC P1404 is also set, check the 5 volt reference circuits for a short to voltage.

Check for a restricted exhaust system.

A shorted 5 volt reference circuit may cause a DTC P0172 to set. Check the 5 volt reference sensors for abnormal readings.

Step 1 - 10:




Step 11 - 19:




Step 20 - 22:




Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.
1. The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.
5. A clogged air cleaner filter element restricts the airflow coming into the engine. This step checks the condition of the air cleaner filter.
17. A leaky injector can cause a rich condition and set DTC P0172.Refer to "Fuel injector Balance Test".
19. A loose TP sensor may not set a TP sensor related DTC, but may cause the system to become rich by a higher-than-actual TP reading.