Help obd2 codes

[Jerryb]

I have these 2 codes on my OBD2 reader; P0170 and P0173 for my V6 Mitsubishi 3000 GT; Fuel trim malfunction bank 1 and bank 2.
What does this mean and how do I fix it?

Thanks, Jerry

 

[JTK]

Could be a vacuum leak, or a fouled MAF sensor messing up the fuel trim. Do you run an open style or oiled air filter by chance? Dirt and/or oil carry-over will foul the MAF p/up in no time.

G/luck
Joel

 

[Jerryb]

I have a K&N air filter that uses oil. Can I clean the MAF sensor?

 

[JTK]

Sometimes you can get by with a can of electronic parts cleaner and/or a cotton swab. Some MAF's don't fare well to a cleaning. Oiled air filters tend to wreak havok on MAF's.

G/luck
Joel

 

[Matt_S]

quote:

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Oiled air filters tend to wreak havok on MAF's.

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That's true if you over-oil the filter. If you're careful about the amount of oil you use from now on, you'll should be OK, but MAF fouling from oiled foam filters has been a known issue for quite a while now. Try 90% rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab or a light spray of brake cleaner. You need something that won't leave any residue. Be careful as MAF sensors are very delicate.

 

[Jerryb]

Thanks for the help. I'll give it a careful cleaning.
Jerry

 

[jmacmaster]

Do NOT touch the MAF wire with a cotton swab or anything else. Its very delicate and can easily break. Spray the wire with a cleaner that leaves no residue, and let it air dry.