For like the last year my car has been pulling up the service engine soon light. I have taken it to the mechanics and they accidentally deleated the codes history so i took it to an auto parts shop and the code that it's pulling up is the "too rich" code. i have had the air filter replaced, additives added to the oil change and a treatement to the gas tank to make the gas more productve. Any ideas as to what the code "too rich" means? please don't say well take it to the mechanics and they'll tell you because, um, like i already know that. Thanks.
2007-07-14 13:58:27 · 8 answers · asked by BeLlYdAnCeR 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
my car is a 1999 buick century and the code that it pulled up according to this paper that i got is PO172B bank 1 sysem too rich
2007-07-14 14:17:06 · update #1
Yes there are mechanics here.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to diagnose your problem this simply. First, the make/model/year of your car is important to know. There's also a numerical code associated with the "too rich" usually, which would be helpful.
What I *CAN* tell you is that gas treatment isn't going to help fix that code. In fact, using fuel treatments too often or using the wrong fuel treatments can actually DAMAGE your engine and CAUSE the failures that can lead to a code like this.
Too rich means that at some point the system is giving the engine too much gas and not enough air. OR it means that the computer THINKS that this is the case. This can be caused by a plethora of issues. In older cars with a carburetor it was adjustments. But since most cars that old don't have a computer to give codes, let's assume (since you don't say) it's a newer one with fuel injection.
The air filter is a good place to start, and I see you've done that. It could be the Oxygen Sensor, or any number of other sensors in your engine. I would try changing the Oxygen sensor first. However, on some vehicles this can be a very arduous task, as they're frequently hard to reach and rusted in place. Once it's out, it'll cost you easily $50 or more to replace it - and you might not fix your problem.
The reason the best answer here is "take it to a mechanic", is that you can easily spend a lot more just randomly replacing sensors if you don't know which one is out. A mechanic can test each system further and find out exactly which sensor is not working correctly.
Just because you WANT an answer other than "take it to a mechanic" doesn't mean that it is possible, especially without further information.
2007-07-14 14:07:33 · answer #1 · answered by lotherius 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You'd get a better answer if you gave the code number. If you don't know it, wait til the next time the check engine light comes on and take it to a reputable shop or the dealer. A good mechanic doesn't accidently delete the codes. He did that because he didn't know how to fix the problem that caused the code to appear. Also next time give more information about the vehicle.
2007-07-14 14:09:20 · answer #2 · answered by Ron B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are mechanics, and there are MECHANICS. The "too rich" code is just a start. From there it could literally be dozens of possibilities. Take it to a dealership that services the brand of car you own, or ask around for a reputable mechanic that mainly works on automotive electrical systems. The diagnosis for theses systems is a flow chart, and it is impossible to diagnose from just the code. I know that is not the answer you wanted, but it is the only one that will lead to a proper repair.
2007-07-14 14:14:39 · answer #3 · answered by Kirk 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No good mechanic "accidentally" deletes a code out of history. So what code are you getting? There is no "too rich" code, you will typically get a P and 4 numbers. Tell me the code and I can tell you the problem.
The only ones that mention fuel perhaps running rich are these, which do you have?
P0170 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1)
P0171 System too Lean (Bank 1)
P0172 System too Rich (Bank 1)
P0173 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)
P0174 System too Lean (Bank 2)
P0175 System too Rich (Bank 2)
2007-07-14 14:09:25 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yahoo Answers
2016-05-17 22:46:16 · answer #5 · answered by faye 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the code means that bank one is getting too much fuel. this could be caused by a few things, a leaking injector, valves out of adjustment. unfortunately, all the additives in the world can not fix a mechanical problem.
2007-07-14 20:15:36 · answer #6 · answered by mdk68gto, ase certified m tech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More and likely is the Oxygen sensors, not working properly, to tell the computer to lean the fuel curve while its running. Just need to know which ones need replacing. Hope this helps, good luck.
2007-07-14 14:04:14 · answer #7 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
two rich means you have a fault with your fuel injectors. they are worn hence too much fuel hence rich.....
2007-07-14 17:25:20 · answer #8 · answered by tony b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋