Fault code P0172 is called “System Too Rich (Bank 1)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P0172
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P0172 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.
For proper operation, the engine must add the correct amount of fuel to the amount of air intake. The correct fuel-to-air ratio is necessary for optimum power and fuel efficiency.
The engine control unit (ECU) uses a number of sensors to determine how much fuel to add. Most often, the air to fuel ratio in the mixture is determined based on oxygen sensor readings by calculating the amount of oxygen and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases.
The most optimal ratio of air to fuel in the mixture fed into the engine cylinders is 14.7:1. This is the ratio needed to achieve maximum engine power and optimum fuel consumption.
In normal operation, the ECU monitors the balance between rich and lean mixture. At the same time controlling the short term and long term fuel balance (STFT and LTFT). Normally the fuel correction is 3% of the ideal value. It depends on the current air temperature, coolant temperature and load.
Engine problems such as high fuel pressure, a distorted MAF signal, or a faulty fuel injector can increase fuel consumption. Because of these problems, the wrong data is coming in for the air flow, which will result in a saturated condition.
The ECU will attempt to compensate for the imbalance in the fuel mixture. If the fuel ratio exceeds 25% of the optimum value, the ECU will detect this as a malfunction. It will set the diagnosis code P0172 – System Too Rich (Bank 1).
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0172 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the ECM memory as a malfunction).
- Floating revolutions, vehicle engine may be unstable.
- Increased fuel consumption.
- Engine stalls or fails to start.
- Black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
The fault P0172 is of a higher than average severity, therefore it is recommended to eliminate the problem as soon as possible. Most likely, you will be able to continue driving with this fault, but the fuel consumption will increase. And because of the low O₂ content and poor combustion, catalytic converter problems may occur in the future.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0172 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The mass air flow sensor (MAF) may be dirty or damaged.
- The air filter is dirty or contains oil.
- Possible vacuum leak.
- Fuel pressure problem.
- Damage to the fuel injector, causing too much fuel to enter the combustion chamber.
- Worn spark plugs.
- Fuel pump check valve may have failed.
- PCV valve is leaking or has failed.
- EGR valve may have jammed.
- There is a leak in front of the oxygen sensor (lambda sensor).
- EVAP fuel vapor valve is leaking.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0172
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0172:
- Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses and replace if necessary.
- Clean the mass air flow sensor. It is better to remove it and treat it with electronics cleaner or WD-40. Be careful not to damage the mass airflow sensor, make sure it is dry before reinstalling it.
- Inspect the fuel lines for cracks, leaks or pinching.
- Check the pressure in the fuel rail.
- Check the fuel injectors, they may be dirty. Use a fuel injector cleaner or have them professionally cleaned/replaced.
- Make sure there is no exhaust leak in front of the first oxygen sensor.
Diagnose and repair of problems
Contamination of the MAF sensor can distort the air intake measurement and therefore distort the fuel injection calculations, resulting in fault P0172. Next, check the fuel pressure, making sure it is in the correct range. Excessive pressure, due to a faulty pressure regulator or compressed line pipe, will cause more fuel to be injected than the ECU expected.
Check that the ECT and IAT (inlet air temperature) readings are correct. The ECU can pick up blocked sensors, so it is a good idea to check that the ECT and IAT readings are within the normal range.
For example, if the engine is running for half an hour on a hot day, the ECT should read about 80°C. If it still shows 0°C, the ECU will enrich the fuel-air mixture to compensate, resulting in a rich condition.
Fuel Pressure Reduction
With the engine running, record the fuel pressure and then turn off the engine. The fuel pressure may drop slightly, but should remain stable for at least 10 or 15 minutes.
If the fuel pressure continues to drop, you may have a leaking fuel injector, resulting in a rich and possibly unflammable condition.
Blocked valve
A faulty valve in the block head, discharges unburned fuel into the exhaust stream. Check and correct this problem before attempting to correct a rich fuel-air mixture error.
Pay attention to other fault codes that may be present at the same time as error P0172. For example, for VVT (variable valve timing) or ignition system.
Exhaust
Check the exhaust system for leaks, especially upstream of the first O₂ sensor. Damage can be mechanical, in the form of cracks or caused by corrosion.
Atmospheric air entering before this sensor can distort the oxygen content measurement. The ECU, in this case, will try to compensate the mixture and add fuel.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0172 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Audi (A4, A6)
- BMW (F10, X5)
- Cadillac (SRX)
- Chery (Amulet)
- Chevrolet (Aveo, Cruze, Epica, Lacetti, Orlando, Rezzo, Spark, Tahoe, TrailBlazer)
- Chrysler (Pacifica, Sebring, Voyager)
- Citroen (C4, C5)
- Daewoo (Matiz, Nexia)
- Dodge (Caravan, Dakota, Intrepid, RAM, Stratus)
- Fiat (Albea, Doblo)
- Ford (Focus, Fusion, Mondeo)
- Geely (MK)
- Honda (Accord, CR-V, Civic, Fit, Jazz, Odyssey)
- Hover
- Hyundai (Elantra, Getz, Tucson)
- Jaguar (XJ, X-Type)
- Jeep (Grand Cherokee)
- Kia (Ceed, Cerato, Rio, Spectra, Sportage)
- Land Rover (Range Rover)
- Lexus (GX470, IS250, RX300)
- Lifan
- Mazda (3, 6, CX-5, CX-7, Familia, MPV, RX-8)
- Mercedes-Benz (M272, ML350, W164, W203, W204, W211, W212, W221)
- Mitsubishi (Lancer)
- Nissan (Almera, Primera, Skyline, Sunny, Wingroad, X-Trail)
- Opel (Astra)
- Peugeot (207, 3008, 308, 407, 408)
- Porsche (Cayenne)
- Rover
- Saab
- Skoda (Fabia, Octavia, Rapid, Yeti)
- Ssangyong (Kyron, Rexton)
- Subaru (Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Outback, Tribeca)
- Suzuki
- Toyota (Allion, Auris, Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Gaia, Noah, Prius, Probox, RAV4, Wish)
- Volkswagen (Caddy, Golf, Jetta, Passat, Polo, Tiguan)
- Volvo (S40, S60)
- GAZelle (Next)
- LADA (Granta, Kalina, Niva, Priora, Vesta)
- TagAZ (Tager)
- UAZ (Buhanka, Patriot, ZMZ 409)
- VAZ (2107, 2108, 2110, 2112, 2114, 2115)
Fault code P0172 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0106, P0131, P0132, P0134, P0138, P0151, P0170, P0171, P0175, P0300, P0363, P0420, P0501, P2178, P2188.
