Thread: Running lean throwing a "Too Rich" Code?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 34
  1. #1 Running lean throwing a "Too Rich" Code? 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Hello Forum,

    GP is throwing codes again. It all started with a bad gas cap that wouldnt close, bought a new one, gas cap is good.

    The Codes:
    P0172 System Too Rich(Bank 1)
    P0401 Insufficient EGR Flow
    P1811 Max Adapt and Long Shift

    I have cleaned the MAF, inspected for vacuum leaks with Carb Cleaner, cleared the codes and now I get P0172 again.

    Any suggestions?
    Last edited by sdavis11b; 12-26-2014 at 07:45 AM.

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: Running too rich! 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,819
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    The "T" under the SC snout likes to break and cause a vac leak.

    Take a read through this link and see if it will help-- http://www.gearchatter.com/viewtopic...3ee0a3fa3b2824
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: Running too rich! 
    Bastard Reptile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Kansas City, MO
    Posts
    3,459
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    A vacuum leak usually causes a lean code (p0171).

    EGR may be pooped out and stuck open, killing the good air in the engine and causing the fuel to not burn as well.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: Running too rich! 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    139
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Rich = more fuel than air.
    Check your air filter & PCV valve. Sometimes the boost bypass valve will stick. Clean that up with some throttle body cleaner. Check the vacuum lines going to the map sensor too.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: Running too rich! 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Checked all vacuum lines with brake cleaner. No surging or anything after application. Vacuum is inbetween 18-20 where it should be. Where is the PCV valve? and the motor has 130k miles on it. Does the EGR go bad that quick? If so, do you think i could just blast it with some cleaner and get it working again?

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: Running too rich! 
    Bastard Reptile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Kansas City, MO
    Posts
    3,459
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    It is not the vacuum lines or else it would be lean. You can try to clean the valve with brake cleaner and see if it frees it up. Might end up either replacing the valve or removing it and tuning it out.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: Running too rich! 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dirtyzville, Missery
    Posts
    31,287
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    It's the vacuum lines.

    LOLOLOLOLOLLLLLL.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: Running too rich! 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dirtyzville, Missery
    Posts
    31,287
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Not really.

    It's not the vacuum lines.

    Delete the EGR with two cents and replace the PCV. It's in that black thing on he blower labeled: PCV.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: Running too rich! 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Is there any way I could isolate the problem to verify the EGR is bad, as in unplug it? I hate just throwing money at a problem without knowing exactly whats wrong.

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: Running too rich! 
    GXP Level Member darkhorizon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    flintnasty MI
    Posts
    2,596
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    basically the only thing that cause too lean conditions is a failed maf sensor or a broken fuel pressure regulator.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: Running too rich! 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    139
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by darkhorizon View Post
    basically the only thing that cause too lean conditions is a failed maf sensor or a broken fuel pressure regulator.
    He's not running too lean, he's running too rich which means his car isn't getting enough air flow.

    The P0172 is a classic code when it comes to a bad O2 sensor. Bank 1 is the sensor in the exhaust manifold. I just replaced the one in my wife's Grand AM and it's a totally new car now. Remember, that O2 sensor is the "nose" of your vehicle. I would start there.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: Running too rich! 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Ive been through 3 O2 sensors since ive owned the vehicle. Back onto the EGR, is there a way to figure out if that is a problem without tuning software? I have a couple Aeroforce gauges.

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: Running too rich! 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    new jersey
    Posts
    39,927
    Thanks (Received)
    63
    Likes (Received)
    166
    Dislikes (Received)
    5
    torque app shows erg functions.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: Running too rich! 
    Bastard Reptile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Kansas City, MO
    Posts
    3,459
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by sdavis11b View Post
    Ive been through 3 O2 sensors since ive owned the vehicle. Back onto the EGR, is there a way to figure out if that is a problem without tuning software? I have a couple Aeroforce gauges.
    Fab up a block off plate either between the EGR and it's mounting bracket, or on the LIM. It'll still probably have an egr code, but when you block that off, you won't have to worry about exhaust gasses getting into the intake charge.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: Running too rich! 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    139
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    The EGR can stick after getting clogged with carbon. There are 3 valves that open and close. I've had success cleaning the valves by removing the EGR and using a toothbrush with a combination of brake fluid first, then seafoam. Spray the toothbrush, not the EGR. If that doesn't work then you will need to delete the EGR (if it will still pass emissions) or replace it.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: Running too rich! 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Took the EGR off, cleaned it up real nice, valve seems to be moving freely. Cleaned the PCV as well. Still running rich, A/F still inbetweeen 15.5-16.1. Does this mean the EGR is done?

    Another couple questions regarding the issue:
    What are the repercussions of running this rich besides horrible MPG
    And when an EGR fails, does it stick open or stay closed?

    Trying to prolong purchasing an EGR, they arent the cheapest replacement part.
    Last edited by sdavis11b; 12-25-2014 at 11:51 AM.

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: Running too rich! 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Rogers, MN
    Posts
    21,022
    Thanks (Received)
    21
    Likes (Received)
    45
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Um, 15.5 to 16.1 is lean.

    Stoich is 14.7.

    An EGR can fail open or closed, a scan tool could tell it's position from 0-100% open or closed.

    SMGPFC Member #1
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: Running too rich! 
    Moderator DanPrixGTP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Posts
    5,488
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    15.5+ is definitely lean, not rich.

    Anyways, don't replace your EGR (Unless you NEED it for emissions).

    EGR's are stupid. Delete it. You can buy two block plates from ZZP for $5 each. Then all you need is some RTV and two bolts. $20 and some of your time and it's gone. Even if it's not the EGR, and you can delete it, do it anyways. $20 isn't much at all.

    Also, I wouldn't even bother spending my time into cleaning an PCV valve. It's only $3 from a parts store for a brand new one. Just replace it.
    '97 GTP - Stage 2 Heads, 90# Springs, 1.9 Harland Sharp Rockers, Gen V, 3.0, Intake, N* TB, LQ4, FSIC, 10.5mm Wires, Poly Mounts, SLP Headers, Borla Exaust, Built Trans - SOLD*

    '08 G8 GT - 6.7L 408CI Stroker, 239/254 Cam, Fast Intake, 102mm TB, CAI, Full Exhaust.





    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: Running too rich! 
    GTP Level Member sdavis11b's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    560
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Understood.

    Then why am I throwing a "too rich" code running lean?
    I will block the EGR here in the coming weeks. This will throw an EGR code until tuned out correct?

    2004 GTP - TEP TRANS, INTERCOOLER, 3.0, AND PLENTY OF KR...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: Running too rich! 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    new jersey
    Posts
    39,927
    Thanks (Received)
    63
    Likes (Received)
    166
    Dislikes (Received)
    5
    it will set a code. and the light.

    you can make your own block off plates by ripping the egr tube end plates off and then rtv ing a coin in the holes. use the old egr tabs with their bolts to hold the coins in.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
    Reply With Quote  
     

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. 2000 GTP Running Rich
    By addeible in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 09-24-2013, 12:27 PM
  2. Running too rich?
    By 94GrandPrixSE in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-18-2013, 09:43 AM
  3. Car is running rich... I think
    By ElAlacran2010 in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 02-25-2011, 08:51 AM
  4. Running rich
    By saleenprix in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 12-13-2010, 08:53 AM
  5. car running really rich
    By gtpinsc in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 09-13-2009, 04:48 PM
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •