p0171 1996 Bonneville

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driveway Al
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p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by driveway Al »

Hey guys, my check engine light went off. It was reading the p0171 code. I found a crimped and cracked vacuum line and replaced it. I was ready to take the car back thru state inspection but when I checked the OBD2 with the actron code reader the p0171 code was still there even though the CEL was off. The CEL works because it lights up when I turn key to start car. Anyone have any ideas as to why the code is still there even though light is off?I drive a 1996 3.8L Pontiac Bonneville. Thanks.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by locowbl »

Did you erase the old code with your scanner?
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driveway Al
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by driveway Al »

not yet, I was hoping the computer would run a drive cycle and delete it. I can erase it myself but i thought the comp. would delete it from memory. This way i woukld know for sure it is ready for inspection. Do you think it may be a stored code. The actron reader does not give you much info. thanks.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by Mechanical Mike »

It may take a few drive cycles before the code disappears. It might still pass as long as the light stays off. If you erase the codes it may take a few days before you can get it inspected.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by willwren »

It's a history code, only a current code will set off the light.
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driveway Al
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by driveway Al »

will the history code go away or do I still need to turn off? I am not sure if the state insp. will fail a car for the history code. If I erase history code do you think the car still needs to run another drive cycle after that. I still have another month or so for reinspection. Thanks for the advice.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by locowbl »

The history code will stay there until you delete or erase it but won't come back on if you've fixed the problem.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by willwren »

It shouldn't fail you. But erasing a code may.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by locowbl »

Are the inspections so strict there that they put a code scanner on the vehicle? :dontknow:
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by driveway Al »

its New Jersey, besides having the highest taxes and most crowded roads they are also a pain in the ass about CEL. No matter what the light is on for they will fail you regardless.
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by locowbl »

I certainly don’t want to recommend you do anything that might cause you a problem .
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by Mechanical Mike »

From the FSM:

The PCM will turn the Mil off during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.

The history DTC will clear after 40 consective warm-up cycles have occured without a malfunction.
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driveway Al
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Re: p0171 1996 Bonneville

Post by driveway Al »

Thanks, i will erase the history code and wait till sometime next wk and take car for inspection. I doubt their comp. will pick up an erased history code. The car runs graet and i want to keep for awhile. The only other problem is that it can be a gashog. While changing out UIM and LIM I found magnets on the fuel rail. Maybe previous owner thought it might improve gas milage. I took them off and did not put them back on. Can't see how they work or why.
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