P 0171 code help

[ssg510]

Just got my 01 bug from my sister two weeks ago. 55k miles, only oil changed by her. Just threw the 0171 code. I know it means lean fuel mixture bank 1. All I have done is change oil, Air filter new dipstick and tube. I have been trying to check for vacume leaks. Should I change the MAF or just try to clean it. How do I clean it. I rechecked the air filter to make sure it was secure. My sis said she had it checked, light came on acouple of years ago. Any suggestions welcome.

[akasha1963]

Have the pre cat O2 sensor checked. That is whats causing my 071 code.

[ssg510]

Got in the car today and engine light was off. Did I do anything? Yesterday I checked alot of vacum hose connections, nothing appeared to be loose, checked oil fill cap to make sure it was tight. Unhooked the battery and reconnected. Engine light was still on after I reconected it. Put in some seafoam and drove a few miles. Ill keep a check on it and see what happens.

[RDRAIDR]

I learned a great lesson this weekend regarding the MAF. Car would not stay running in idle - acted just like a vacuum leak, but we could not find anything. Had the same lean bank codes. We just happened to look at the MAF sensor (inside the intake tube) and noticed a seed pod logged on the sensor. We removed it and the car ran fine. A seed pod on the MAF - go figure. Just a thought...

[Dozier450]

If you get a code 0171 check out the vacuum line located on the front right side of the air intake (TB on left, Vacuum on right looking a front of car.) It is located right under a bracket that holds the two line that goes to secondary air pump. This line is about 6 to 8 inches long and bents back and down behind the secondary air pump to another fitting. You will need to take a couple of allen screws out to move some things around and I took the sec. air pump loose so that I could work behind it. By the way our bug is the 03 1.8 turbo.

Another line to check is the large that runs across the top of the engine. It is about size of a quarter round and is about 12 inches across, plus or minus. The smaller line cost me about 30.00 and the larger one was about 55.00 at he dealer.

UPDATE:9-25-11 Another thing to check is the plastic vacuum valve on top of the engine, they will break down over time due the heat off of the engine. I picked one up at the dealer for just over 40 dollars, but they are available online for around 10.00 dollars plus shipping.

[Dozier450]

I've a 03 Beetle with the 1.8t, I had to change the two vacuum lines and both vacuum valves so far. So far, it seems to be during good. I posted some information with pictures to help.

Good Luck,

Bill A.