Fuel and air metering

P0174 — System Too Lean (Bank 2)

The ECU is adding more fuel than normal on bank 2 but the mixture still reads lean. Too much air or too little fuel is reaching the cylinders of the second bank.

Severity: Medium

Common causes

  • Vacuum or intake leak on the bank 2 side
  • Dirty or faulty MAF sensor
  • Weak fuel pump, clogged filter or low fuel pressure
  • Clogged or leaking injectors on bank 2
  • Exhaust leak before the bank 2 oxygen sensor

Symptoms

  • Rough idle or stalling
  • Hesitation and power loss
  • Misfire under load
  • Check engine light

How to check

  1. Compare fuel trims of both banks: if both are lean, suspect MAF or fuel pressure; if only bank 2, suspect a local leak or injector
  2. Inspect intake hoses and gaskets on bank 2 and smoke-test
  3. Measure fuel pressure
  4. Check the bank 2 oxygen sensor and exhaust for leaks

Can you keep driving?

Drivable for a short time, but a lean mixture raises temperatures and can damage the engine. Have it checked.

Frequently asked questions

What does P0174 mean?
Bank 2 gets too much air or too little fuel and the ECU cannot compensate completely.
Why do I see P0171 and P0174 together?
Both banks lean points to a shared cause such as the MAF sensor, fuel pressure or a large vacuum leak.

General reference information. It does not replace a diagnosis on your own vehicle. The same code can have different causes depending on make, model year and engine; check the manufacturer's documentation or ask a technician with a scan tool.