Q: P0174 bank 2 system too lean. If I keep driving with this code will I damage my engine? My car doesn't seem to be driving poorly

asked by on November 17, 2017

Check engine light just went on. Only had the car 3days. Code p0174 bank 2 system too lean code stored. What is this and can I continue to drive it until I can take it in? My car doesn't seem to be driving poorly.

My car has 136165 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

If your engine is running lean and you continue to drive on it with this condition, it can cause your engine to overheat and potentially damaged internal engine parts. Running rich is always better than running lean because extra fuel at least will ensure that the engine stays cool. If the engine is not getting enough fuel the cooling system alone will not prevent the engine from overheating.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I open the hood?
It is very easy to open the hood: Pull on the hood release lever, which is located at the bottom left part of the dash, near the brake pedal. You should feel or hear the hood release. From the front...
Engine oil pressure warning light on
The engine oil pressure light is the to warn the driver when there is not enough oil pressure. This light usually comes on when the oil is far below the needed pressure to properly lubricate the engine. The oil level...
Key locked in ignition
Hi, over time the tumblers in the lock cylinder can wear out or get debris lodged preventing rotation. The notches on the key also wear out over time which doesn't fully unlock all of the tumblers preventing the key from...
Will my car having shifting problems if my purge valve solenoid is bad
A leaking purge valve can cause a hard start and rough running after getting fuel due to vapors flooding the engine out. The shifting problem is most likely not related to the purge valve. This sounds like a shift solenoid...
Overdrive stuck on OFF
Hello. The button itself might be damaged. Every switch and button accessible to the driver will have a way of being serviced. It's just a matter of what panels or access points you have to get into in order to...
Strong gas odor after vehicle is shut off
Hello there, many different faults can cause your 2000 GMC Jimmy to have a gas smell after shutoff. You are able to smell the fuel vapors due to a EVAP leak. The most common would be a loose gas cap,...
Issue of fuel consumption 2008 Honda Accord
Hi there - I would check fuel pressure, and check the fuel injectors for leaks. Both could result in excess fuel being dumped into the engine. I would recommend an inspection of the fuel injection system for proper operation. Unfortunately,...
How many oxygen sensors do I have on my 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Hi there - your Escalade has 4 oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-oxygen-sensor) total, 1 before each of the two catalytic converters, and 1 after each catalytic converter. Diagnostic codes are usually pretty specific as to which one is malfunctioning (i.e. Bank 1,...
2013 Toyota Highlander making a lot of noise from waterpump, and I'd like to know to expect in terms of repairs.
The engine has to be removed in order to replace the water pump on this engine. The labor just for the water pump is 13 hours. This does not include diagnosis or additional repairs needed like thermostat or any other...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Realtor or Real Estate Agent
If If you make your living as a realtor or real estate agent, you may have a number of considerations when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle. The most common considerations are budget, ability to transport people, and comfort....
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Dog Owners
Dog Dog owners are a special breed of drivers. When they shop for a used car they have a list of requirements that can be quite different from other drivers, which tends to make the process a bit of a...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Personal Assistant
As As a personal assistant, you have a lot of demands placed on your time. Often it’s important that you be able to get around town quickly, running a ton of errands, picking things up here, dropping them off there,...