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P0174

System Too Lean (Bank 2)

The engine is getting too much air or not enough fuel on bank 2. This can happen from a vacuum leak, a bad MAF sensor reading, or a fuel delivery problem.

Severity3/5 Moderate
Can I drive?⚠ With caution

You can usually drive short distances, but the problem should be fixed soon. A lean condition can cause rough running, misfires, poor performance, and possible engine damage if ignored.

DIY
$10–$250
Shop
$120–$900
Difficulty
intermediate

What It Means

P0174 means the PCM has detected that bank 2 is running lean, meaning the measured air-fuel mixture contains too much air and not enough fuel. The code is set when fuel trims on bank 2 stay excessively positive as the PCM tries to add fuel to correct the condition.

Symptoms

Common Causes

1. Vacuum leaks such as intake manifold gasket leaks, vacuum hose leaks, or cracked PCV hoseshigh
2. Faulty or contaminated mass air flow (MAF) sensor reporting incorrect airflowhigh
3. Plugged fuel filter or weak fuel pump causing low fuel deliverymedium
4. Plugged or dirty fuel injectors on bank 2 or across the enginemedium
5. PCM software needs to be updatedlow

Related Codes

FAQ

What does bank 2 mean?

Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1 on V-type engines. On many inline engines, this code may not apply because there is only one bank.

Can a vacuum leak cause P0174?

Yes. A vacuum leak is one of the most common causes because extra unmetered air makes the engine run lean.

Can a dirty MAF sensor cause P0174?

Yes. If the MAF sensor underreports incoming air, the PCM may command too little fuel and set a lean code.

Will bad fuel injectors cause P0174?

Yes. Dirty or restricted injectors can reduce fuel delivery and create a lean condition.

Can low fuel pressure cause P0174?

Yes. A weak fuel pump or clogged fuel filter can reduce fuel supply enough to trigger this code.