Four p0171 codes all the same?

**redhammer** · 01-21-2009 09:33 AM

Yesterday my wife called me at work, she said she started the car, it started normal(2003 passat 1.8t) and let it sit for a couple minutes to warm up. When she came back she said the cel was flasing and the car was shaking. This lasted for a minute or two and then it went back to normal cel turned off. She drove it for few miles -everything fine. Then she started the car again and a CEL turned ON . No missfires though. I plugged obII this morning and it says four codes found but when you scroll down they are all p0171, system too lean, bank 1

**offroader1006** · 01-21-2009 12:25 PM

sounds like a MAF candidate

**Seerlah** · 01-21-2009 02:07 PM

You may not need a new MAF (those things are pricey). You could get CRC MAF cleaner found at your local auto parts store and spray the crap out of it. More than likely that will clear the issue. While you are in there, you should also replace the air filter as that might be a reason the MAF is dirty (if it is simply dirty and not defective).

**redhammer** · 01-21-2009 02:44 PM

I will try that, is there any diy about how to remove clean the maf?

**Seerlah** · 01-21-2009 05:04 PM

This is from another thread. As for applying the CRC MAF cleaner, directions are on the can. Lay the MAF housing on a rag to absorb drip from spray, attach straw to CRC MAF cleaner,and spray the crap out if it (3-5 squirts on each side). Let dry (takes only a couple minutes) then reinstall MAF.

Sorry I took so long, but I am hungry, there is no light in my garage as the engine hood blocks the ceiling light, and my back has been bothering me lately (<<<excuses don't cut it). Anyways, very simple.

The first pic is what you will be working with (please pardon the engine compartment, I have yet to clean her). You will first remove the snorkel held in place by 2 phillips screws on the front of the car. Just follow the snorkel (arrowed) and you can't miss it.

Next, you want to remove the MAF connector (Middle one circled: It is behind a rubber groument. Simply lift the groument up and remove the connector. I fubered up my connector a while ago bc I did not know how easy the release clips worked. Yeah, dumb mistake on my behalf, but does not bother me), loosen the clamp for the turbo inlet (bottom one circled), and loosen the clamp circled on top (I can not recall that name of that valve, but it is for the evap system).

Take off the turbo inlet hose, evap valve, and secondary air pump hose (it is the only one left attached to the air box. right next to the turbo inlet hose). And you have this.

There will be clips that hold the upper part of the air box to the lower portion. Unclip those (I have 3 that I needed to unclip, but there might be 4. the first one will be very visible). Take off the top portion of the air box and you end up with this.

Here is where the MAF is located. I did not remove mine as it is rather straight forward. There are 2 phillips screws that hold down the funnel for the MAF. Unscrew those and take the MAF out. Then simply replace. As stated before, try the CRC MAF cleaner first. Make sure not to touch the screens of the MAF. And make sure when replaceing, that the arrow is facing to where the air will flow (back into the turbo inlet hose). This may also be a good time to replace the air filter, as someone stated before.

It's really that simple. You just saved yourself close to $200 from going to a dealership/mechanic. Reinstall in reverse order.