This might be a long one so I apologize in advance.

So my CEL comes on and I call Onstar to get the code. They say it's the PCM and it turns out it's the "running lean" code. The car was running fine but I've gotten the code before and it went away in the same day. So after a day I decide to take it to the dealer just in case. The dealer comes out and reads the code and hits the reset. Light turns off, I turn the car off and on a few times and it stays off so I thank them and leave. About 10 miles later the light comes back on so the next day I take it back and leave it overnight. The next day they call me and say they fixed it by "reprogramming" the PCM. To me that sounds like another reset but I say ok. They also said that they took it for a 3 miles test drive and it was all good. I thank them again, hit on the cashier and leave. After about 6 or 7 miles, the light comes back on. I call the guy and he says to bring it in tomorrow. So I'm on my way to the dealer again and the guy calls me and says that there was a bulletin out on the SS that said that the code was just a problem that can't be fixed and they don't have a cure for it but it won't hurt the car to keep driving it.

So now are they just being lazy and lying to me or is this something other people have heard of? I've scanned through the forums and I haven't seen anything. If anyone (especially the dealers and/or service guys) can let me know their opinion, I'd apprciate it.

-Jim

 

Oh and I haven't done any mods yet....

 

yer stock im assuming?

 

First off do you have any mods? Even if you don't, you need a reflash from the dealership. I had a cel everyday untill my stage 2 was installed . The reflash will take care of it.

 

haha u beat me to it, i have heard of a few people getting that cel in stock form, im not sure what their dealer did for them and they were stock at the time aswell sorry i cant help more, byt if i were you id bitch cuz if there is something wrong with yer car you wont know unless you buy a scanner and find out the codes yerself and delete them.

 

They said it's happening all over but I mean there has to be a cause right? I mean even if they have to replace the whole PCM, they should do it.

I plan on getting the stage 2 eventually but this is just bugging me.

 

try gettin a cheap GM code reader and try deleteing it yerself if they dont wana do anything, but they should its a stock car.

 

Go to the dealer and get a reflash. IT FIXES THE PROBLEM!!!

 

Like a stage reflash? I'm not too experienced with the whole electronics side of the newer cars. If they reset it before, isn't that pretty much a reflash?

 

No. Reseting it is not a reflash. A reflash is a program that contains new information for your computer instead of just reseting the same old thing. The reflash for our cars contains cel fixes, sporadic rev fixes and other tweaks like a fix for when the air conditioning is running, it won't bog your car down. Just go to the dealership and tell them you need a reflash. I don't know how much it will cost.

 

So it is something extra though? Because the car is covered by the warranty. So would I have to pay for it still? I really appreciate all this info BTW.

 

you would not have to pay for it, tell them there is a reflash for this cel comin up, sometimes dealers dont know ****, they just update yer comp and yer good.

 

Sweet I'll give them a call. If anyone else has anymore info feel free to leave it. I really appreciate it.

 

It Would Help To Know What Exact Code They Are Getting. I Know There Is A Reflash If You Get Code Po178 For Temp Sensor Reading. As Someone Stated Above They Need To Chk For Updates (although The Po178 Reflash Is The Only One I Know Of So Far). If No Updates They Need To Go Into A More Detailed Diagnosis, Including Long Test Drive Etc (this Means They Will Probably Keep The Car , Probably Overnight)....if They Still Have Problems Then They Would Call Tac (gm Technical Assistance Center)

 

ok I also had the cel come on with the code of running to lean on my ss/sc.
all i did was take apart the air intake and put it back together tightening up all the connections much tighter than they were. took me about a half an hour and i have no more cel

hope this helps

 

Greetings. Regarding the lean DTC P0171 some have, the latest info from GM is this code is under engineering invetigation, no fix available at this time.

My experience is that a sofware update (also known as "reflash", "flash", "reprogram") will become available. This involves repgramming your car with a new software program. I personally have not had this DTC set in my car (06 SS, stock no mods). I drive mainly around town with some freeway driving and "home" is around 7000 ft. elevation. Not sure what effect this has on the setting of this code.

One post mentioned fixing this problem by checking/tightening connections in the air intake system. Good idea. All connections from the MAF sensor (mass air flow) to the engine must be sealed. Any type of what's called an "unmetered" air leak will cause lean codes. ALL air entering the engine MUST pass by MAF sensor. Any loose connections will allow air to be drawn in unmetered and possible set this code. Be sure oil fill cap is on and tight, and also oil dipstick is seated.

Enjoy your ride

Scott
GM Driveability tech

 

I had the problem, had the computer reflashed monday at the dealership under warranty and no more problem, alos have the airbox mod done and no cel... some sort of software update

 

it should say the code on the paper u get from them when u cash out. i had the same problem took mine in 4 times and they just kept resetting the pcm. too lazy to fix it. was runnin lean and turned out to b may catylst system. they replaced it and hasnt came up in over a month now. "knock on wood"

 

I appreciate the help guys. I found the problem though.

I had my oil changed by the dealer and they forgot to put the oil cap back on. Normally I would have done it by myself but being in the military, I don't have the space or tools to do it.

The thing is, I understand that mistakes happen. I used to do tune ups in high school and I've forgotten to put on a cap but I took the car in twice to get the light checked and they just read the code and said that it's just a computer thing. I guess I should have checked too. Oh well.

I found out when I noticed a residue all over the front of the car. After I opened the hood I saw it right away. Everything was covered. I found the cap wedged into the chasis and they topped me off, cleaned out the engine bay and gave me another oil change to flush out the system. Naturally I checked the cap this time. Check engine light went out like 2 minutes after I left the dealer.

Thanks for the info. Hope maybe someone else will see this and catch a mistake before they get a CEL and/or seriously damage their cars.

-Jim

 

i had one to...... when i was stock go under the hood and remove the to fusses run/? and the one to the left
if you dont know what im talkin about the to big fusses in the front leftone and middle one