P0171 on RAM
System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 on RAM vehicles indicates system too lean (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 RAM model — most commonly on 3500. This code means the engine's computer has detected that the air-fuel mixture on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder #1) is running too lean — meaning there is too much air relative to fuel. The computer watches the oxygen sensors and has had to add a large amount of extra fuel (long-term fuel trim) to try to compensate, but it has hit its correction limit. A lean condition can cause rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and over time can run the engine hotter than normal. It usually points to either unmetered air leaking into the engine or not enough fuel being delivered. Typical repair costs on RAM range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0171
- •Vacuum or intake air leak (cracked hose, gasket, or PCV system)
- •Dirty or failing mass airflow (MAF) sensor
- •Weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter
- •Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
- •Faulty or aged upstream oxygen sensor
- •Leaking intake manifold gasket
- •Low fuel pressure or failing fuel pressure regulator
- •Exhaust leak ahead of the oxygen sensor
P0171 on RAM by Model
RAM 3500(1 issue)
- 6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues2013-2025
The RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins equipped with the integrated exhaust brake system experiences failures of the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) actuator and exhaust brake solenoid. The exhaust brake uses the VGT turbo vanes to create backpressure for engine braking while towing. The electronic actuator (Holset HE351VE/HE300VG) sticks or fails due to carbon buildup, causing loss of exhaust brake function, reduced turbo performance, limp mode, and DTC codes P2263 or P006A. TSB 14-001-21 addresses VGT actuator calibration. Actuator replacement costs $800-1,500; complete turbo replacement is $2,500-4,000.
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View P0171 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0171 mean on RAM?▼
P0171 stands for "System Too Lean (Bank 1)." This code means the engine's computer has detected that the air-fuel mixture on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder #1) is running too lean — meaning there is too much air relative to fuel. The computer watches the oxygen sensors and has had to add a large amount of extra fuel (long-term fuel trim) to try to compensate, but it has hit its correction limit. A lean condition can cause rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and over time can run the engine hotter than normal. It usually points to either unmetered air leaking into the engine or not enough fuel being delivered. On RAM specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0171 on RAM vehicles?▼
Common causes on RAM: Vacuum or intake air leak (cracked hose, gasket, or PCV system), Dirty or failing mass airflow (MAF) sensor, Weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter, Clogged or dirty fuel injectors, Faulty or aged upstream oxygen sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0171 on a RAM?▼
Repair costs on RAM range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which RAM models have P0171 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0171 on 1 RAM model: 3500.