SAE Standard Definition

P0174

System Too Lean (Bank 2)

The engine is running with too much air or too little fuel on Bank 2.

Moderate
Safe to drive intermediate Fix within 14 days
Estimated Cost (USD)$20 - $600
BudgetMajor
Estimated Labor~1.5 hours

Same as P0171 but for Bank 2 (the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1). When both P0171 and P0174 are present together, the cause is typically something that affects both banks equally, such as a MAF sensor issue, low fuel pressure, or a large vacuum leak.

Symptoms

Check Engine Light on
Rough idle
Hesitation on acceleration
Misfires
Poor fuel economy

Common Causes

Vacuum leak (both banks)

HIGH

A leak at the intake manifold plenum affects both banks.

Dirty MAF sensor

HIGH

MAF underreporting causes lean on both banks.

Low fuel pressure

MEDIUM

Weak pump starves all injectors equally.

Bank 2 specific leak

MEDIUM

If only P0174, check Bank 2 intake runner gasket.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1

Compare fuel trims

medium

If both banks lean, focus on common causes (MAF, fuel pressure). If only Bank 2, focus on that sides intake.

Tools:OBD-II scanner
2

Clean MAF sensor

easy

Clean MAF with dedicated cleaner. Clear code and test drive.

Tools:MAF cleaner
3

Check fuel pressure

hard

Test fuel pressure and volume at the rail.

Tools:Fuel pressure gauge

Commonly Seen With

P0174 is frequently found alongside these codes:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational and reference purposes only. ErrorCodes is not a substitute for professional automotive diagnosis or repair. Diagnostic trouble codes indicate areas for further investigation and do not definitively identify the failed component. The same code can have different causes depending on your specific vehicle, its history, and conditions. Always consult a qualified, certified mechanic before performing repairs. ErrorCodes assumes no liability for any repairs made based on information found on this site.