What the P0171 code means. The P0171 OBD-II code means that, on the first bank of the engine, the fuel system is running weak or a vacuum leak exists near this side of the engine. A lean condition occurs when the engine either receives too little fuel or too much air.

Is it OK to drive with P0171 code?

It is okay to drive a vehicle with P0171 for a short period of time, but driving with this code for an extended period of time can overheat the engine and cause internal engine damage.

What causes engine code P0171?

This can be caused by something like a disconnected hose or vacuum leak, which means there’s more air than usual, or because your fuel system is weak. P0171 is a common trouble code in many vehicles. … If there is too much air, the ECM or PCM overcompensates with larger fuel injections, which triggers the P0171 code.