Engine management light and OBD code meaning

2004 AUDI TT
80,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 4WD • MANUAL
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RUSSBOLT
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  • 2 POSTS
My engine management light has come on (I have owned the car for 4 days). I have contacted the garage I bought it from and they have said its probably nothing and is down to the way I have driven it, I do not think this is the case. Anyway I have put on a OBD diagnostic scanner and it has come up with the code 'P0171' and says something about bank 1 running to lean. What does this actually mean? I just don't want to take it to the garage on Saturday and be ignorant to the problem, I just want to go in with all info I can.

Thanks

Russ B
Dec 4, 2014 at 12:05 AM
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JOHNNYT73
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  • 924 POSTS
That means the the side with cylinder #1 has detected too much air in the exhaust after combustion. Most likely you have a leak somewhere in the intake manifold or a hose going to to it.
Dec 4, 2014 at 4:33 AM
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RUSSBOLT
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Great, thanks very much. That seems to make sense to a lay person like myself. Would this effect MPG too?
Dec 4, 2014 at 4:50 AM
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JOHNNYT73
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  • 924 POSTS
yes, it will have some affect on your fuel economy.
Dec 4, 2014 at 5:09 AM