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.
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
- 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
- Inspect intake hoses and gaskets on bank 2 and smoke-test
- Measure fuel pressure
- 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.
Related codes
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.
