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p0171 keeps coming back even after replacing oxygen sensor...

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Old Oct 30, 2014 | 09:34 AM
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Default p0171 keeps coming back even after replacing oxygen sensor...

Hi,

I have a 99 ES300 with 130K and I was getting p0171 error code and had my upstream oxygen sensor replaced with a high quality Bosch part. Now its coming again after drive for only a few miles. Its coming up twice on the scanner.

Any ideas what might the culprit be and any solutions?

Thanks!

P.S. Car drives fine and I'm not noticing any changes in performance.
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Old Oct 30, 2014 | 09:58 AM
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What you call High quality, does not mean that the part is compatible. When it comes to these sensors it's best to replace them with OE components.

Of course you could be having other issues. Wiring for example.

Phil
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Old Oct 30, 2014 | 11:54 AM
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First, have you cleaned and checked-out the the MAF sensor? If it is not the MAF sensor, I bet a million bucks it's the Bosch sensor. Put in the correct Denso sensor and you will be good to go.
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Old Oct 30, 2014 | 01:22 PM
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@artbuc - whats the best way to clean the maf sensor? i remember seeing a spray can at the auto store for maf cleaning but it said on there not to use for lexus vehicles.

Originally Posted by artbuc
First, have you cleaned and checked-out the the MAF sensor? If it is not the MAF sensor, I bet a million bucks it's the Bosch sensor. Put in the correct Denso sensor and you will be good to go.
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Old Oct 31, 2014 | 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by topgun129
@artbuc - whats the best way to clean the maf sensor? i remember seeing a spray can at the auto store for maf cleaning but it said on there not to use for lexus vehicles.
Search here and/or google and you will find many excellent tutorials with pictures. Never heard of a MAF cleaner that excluded Lexus. Are you sure about that? Main thing is to make sure you spray and clean the hot wire and not the IAT sensor bulb which many mistake as the MAF sensor. I have eliminated P0171 on my two 1MVFE engines and on several others owned by friends and family. It is amazing how dirty the hit wire gets after 40-50k miles.

Even if it is a dirty MAF sensor, I suggest you still replace the Bosch sensor. It could be a constant source of headache. I believe the 99 ES uses only A/F sensors (aka wide-band O2 sensors) upstream. The 98's used A/F sensors upstream for Calif emissions spec cars and regular O2 sensors upstream for non-Calif cars.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...th-1999-es300/

Last edited by artbuc; Oct 31, 2014 at 01:56 AM.
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Old Nov 17, 2014 | 03:05 PM
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ok so i cleaned the maf but no luck. i'm going to change the bosch sensor to a denso one. is this the right one to buy (front, upstream) - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...708&cc=1387054
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Old Nov 17, 2014 | 03:08 PM
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Check the two small vacuum lines on the left side of the intake under the intake cover.
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Old Nov 18, 2014 | 01:15 AM
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Originally Posted by topgun129
ok so i cleaned the maf but no luck. i'm going to change the bosch sensor to a denso one. is this the right one to buy (front, upstream) - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...708&cc=1387054
Please describe the appearance of the MAF sensor wires before and after cleaning. How did you clear the p0171 code?
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Old Nov 18, 2014 | 08:24 AM
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make sure you chose the right sensor. make sure you know the location of front, upstream.
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Old Nov 19, 2014 | 06:58 AM
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the wires were a little blackish. after spraying them down they looked a lot cleaner. i cleared the codes using a scanner.

Originally Posted by artbuc
Please describe the appearance of the MAF sensor wires before and after cleaning. How did you clear the p0171 code?
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Old Nov 19, 2014 | 07:00 AM
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the front upstream is located near the rear of the engine, kind under where the throttle body is -correct?

Originally Posted by chase336
make sure you chose the right sensor. make sure you know the location of front, upstream.
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Old Nov 19, 2014 | 11:02 AM
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Asian car with "high quality" Euro parts = your error code.
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Old Nov 19, 2014 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by islandbeef
Asian car with "high quality" Euro parts = your error code.
Yes, many reports of Bosch A/F and O2 sensors wreaking havoc in Toyota engines.
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Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:50 PM
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A lot of times, cleaning the MAF sensor and finding/fixing vacuum leaks fix the problem. If you're on a tight budget, start there, but that may not be the fix for certain.
So, possible solutions include:
Clean the MAF sensor. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace/repair as required
Inspect all hoses and connections in the air intake system
Inspect and/or test the intake manifold gaskets for leakage
Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
Ideally you'll want to monitor short and long term fuel trims using an advanced scan tool
If you have access, you may want to run a smoke test

Read more at: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171
Copyright © OBD-Codes.com
+1 on the Bosch O2 sensor.
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