Hello everyone,
This is my 1st post here on the Bonnie website. Took me a while to find ya.
I'm a proud owner of a 96 LSS, */C'd 3.8. Bought it as a fixer upper, daily driver with 170,000 miles on the clock.
Welp, here'* the story....
After replacing the seized idler, tensioner, and belt for the SC, it has driven just fine. About 1 month after daily driving, the CEL turned on, but driveability was not effected. After filling up the tank, the light turned off. This continued for about 4 months, light turning on and off. Now the light stays on all the time. I scanned for codes and the lovely PO171 comes up.
Here'* what I have done,
Checked the plugs and they do look like she'* been running a little lean (White with some small blistered spots on the insulator).
-Checked the fuel pressure and it is within specs.
-Checked/ cleaned the grounds.
-Cleaned the throttle body.
-Cleaned the IAC seat and plunger.
-Cleaned the MAF.
-Checked for vaccum leaks with carb cleaner.
-Checked the O2 sensor voltage- it IS out of specs with engine off (zero voltage) but within specs engine on.
-After each of these checks, I cleared the codes, but it would immediately set the CEL and PO171 after starting the engine.
I'm not sure what the idle should be, but seems a little high at 1000 rpm. It idles smooth, runs fine, and still gets about 25 MPG.
Any other ideas here? I'm leaning towards the O2 since it is out of spec, but not sure why the engine off values would affect the system.
Thanks everyone for looking, glad to finally find you!
JJ

Hey, welcome to the forums! Sorry I can't help you with the PO171 code, but at least I can greet you.

It could either be an O2 sensor or a MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor. What kind of Scan tool are you using?

Do a search for that code in this section with BillBoost37 as the author. He chased that code around for sometime. I believe new battery cables solved his problem.

Thanks for the replies everyone,
After more forum searching and more tinkering with the car, my light is out. FOR NOW!
I forgot to mention that when the CEL would illuminate, the traction off light would also illuminate. I found a post from another user with the same symptoms (Sorry I didn't get the name), and he determined that the removal of his TB screen was the cause. Which by the way, I had also removed shortly after I bought the car. Don't ask why, dumb idea I guess.
Anyway, earlier today I payed close attention to the IAC valve, and cleaned the plunger and seat. Also cleaned the TB. I dont know if these actions actually turned off the light. After connecting the battery and starting the car, the light immediately came on. I drove it to the gas station just down the street, and on my way back, the light turned off!
5 minuites ago I installed the TB screen, so we will see if the light stays off.

A few more thoughts-
-Has anybody else with the PO171 checked their spark plugs to verify if the system is actually lean?
-My car still idles at about 1050-1100, (Since I bought it). How'* your idle?
-Why the heck couldnt the manufacturers stay with CARBURATION!!!!!
-I have an aftermarket cone filter installed
-Idle vaccum is 18-19 in/hg, Max boost is about 4-5 psi.
All scanning was done at autozone, I believe the make was Actron? Thanks again for the greets and help!
JJ

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ighlight=p0171


PO171 and traction off light.
JJ

That code actually means the O2 is doing it'* job. The O2 sees the lean exhaust and the PCM compensates to it'* full potential of adding fuel, therefore it notifies you of the issue.

This is bascially seen when voltage is an issue, evap is connected backwards or ..in your case (most likely) the air being drawn in isn't laminar enough due to the screen removal for the MAF to properly read the amount of air passing it.

Sensitive little ******, are'nt they.
Thanks for the help everyone, hopefully this holds up. I made it to work and back today with no light. Now, on to the next challenge......
JJ

Oh.. The MIL aka light comes on if you have two failed start cycles in a row. And turns itself off after three successful start cycles.

This can make the light your enemy. Say you get one good, bad, good, bad, bad.. arrrggghh.