P0171 Error Code on 98' Jetta GLX

[bahnfire]

Hello,

I have a 1998 Jetta GLX with 105,000 miles. All routine maintenance has been performed to date. During city driving this weekend, the check engine light came on. A friend's OBD II scanner indicates that I've got the P0171 error code, "system to lean". Any ideas where to start looking?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[veedubmechanic]

Check for intake leaks ( intake pipe next to throttle body there is a pipe that goes to the valve cover). Check vacuum hoses especially on the rear of the engine.. there are alot there.

Spray some brake cleaner all over where the intake is and intake manifold while car is running. Where the car revs up is where the intake leak is.

[bahnfire]

Thank you so much!

The air leak ended up being between the upper and lower portions of the air box. A plastic guide tab was bent out of shape creating an opening which allowed air to bypass the air filter and go directly to the throttle body. I carefully straightened out the tab with a pair of pliars, which closed the leakage path, and all is well now.

[veedubmechanic]

yup