Finally created a introduction post

[squid636]

Originally owner of a 2012 Chevy Sonic LT 1.4L with 186,000 out of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This has been a great car. I am dealing with a P0171 code right now that has been difficult but overall this car is great! I have driven this car to Washington state and back to Virginia and multiple other trips halfway across the country to Kansas and back. Whenever I have a problem, the first place I look up information about it is on this website. Thank you to the people that have maintained this site throughout the years.

I am a amateur astronomer and have traveled all over with my telescopes (like the one shown below on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach) to observe the night sky and show others the beauty of astronomy.

 

[jefferson7]

Welcome!

 

[RainingSonics]

Grab a smoke tester and test on the TB after the MAF. See if there's leaks there anywhere. (The MAF is attached to the hose between intake box where intake filter is going to TB. Also check intake filter while at it to make sure its still good. Also, the intake filter box may have a rubber connection at the bottom, that is easy to mess up and have air leak there although MAF should deal with air leak there, its still extra air vs proper intake path.)

A scan tool can help you further. A basic scan tool will help check fuel trim values, O2 values, fuel pressure, and slight bit more (stuff you want to know for dealing with P0171). Something like Foxwell NT 510 Elite GM offers increased testing ability (but its fully possible to deal with any issue without increased ability, just takes more time and more complication).

A good amount of hands on testing may be needed however. Maybe multiple parts. Difficult to say. Something like smoke test will help. If not leaks, its going to be one or more parts.

Its not good to be driving a lot with P0171. Its going to take a toll on more parts if its a lot of driving. The car will really go downhill and then be very much more expensive to fix if you don't DIY it. Will likely already be expensive at shop so DIY is probably only way and the very quick beginning to that I put ^ up there