[Upperb]

Hi all.
I am new to this forum. My wife owns a 2011 Cruze LT. When the check engine light came on recently, I went to advance Auto. The clerk who scanned it informed me that it was showing a P0171 code. Since then, I have replaced the valve cover, spark plugs, cleaned the connectors on the coil pack and installed the latest version of the nicely designed PCV valve retrofit kit that I purchased from a vendor on this forum. After a short time, the check engine light reappeared. P0 171 code again. It feels like it misfires,too.
I would like to purchase a scan tool to be able to learn to diagnose and repair this car and others.
I am looking for a reasonably priced scan tool that will allow me to do this. Thank you all in advance for any advice you may give me.

 

[Blasirl]

Hi all.
I am new to this forum. My wife owns a 2011 Cruze LT. When the check engine light came on recently, I went to advance Auto. The clerk who scanned it informed me that it was showing a P0171 code. Since then, I have replaced the valve cover, spark plugs, cleaned the connectors on the coil pack and installed the latest version of the nicely designed PCV valve retrofit kit that I purchased from a vendor on this forum. After a short time, the check engine light reappeared. P0 171 code again. It feels like it misfires,too.
I would like to purchase a scan tool to be able to learn to diagnose and repair this car and others.
I am looking for a reasonably priced scan tool that will allow me to do this. Thank you all in advance for any advice you may give me.

Welcome Aboard!

Don't forget to introduce yourself and your Cruze here.

For a low cost start:

Torque Wiki

wiki.torque-bhp.com

 

[snowwy66]

The cheapest you're going to get is a bafx Bluetooth obd2 from Amazon and the torque pro app on your phone. I don't know what the cost is these days for torque.

It does alot but might not be enough

 

[Upperb]

Blasirl and Snowwy,
Thank you very much for your prompt and helpful response. I am ok with paying a couple hundred dollars for a scanner, if one about that price would allow me to get one that would give me lots of information. It seems like there is a pretty big price range in scanners.
Again, thanks!

 

[Valpo Cruze]

I have a FOXWELL NT640 that I am very happy with. I can read ABS and AIRBAGS with it as well.

 

[orlando12]

Been using vgate adapter from amazon and car scanner odb2 android app. Works well, able to read and clear codes for all the computers ecm,abs, bcm etc. I am looking for an inexpensive one that can do calibrations and activate functions like brake bleeding. Anybody know?

 

[Upperb]

I would like the scanner to have graphic function. I would like to be able to see O2 sensor activity, instead of watching voltages jump.

 

[orlando12]

I would like the scanner to have graphic function. I would like to be able to see O2 sensor activity, instead of watching voltages jump.

Car scanner odb2 android app has that.

 

[Upperb]

I would like the scanner to be self contained, instead of being used with a phone or laptop. Thanks!

 

[DWSCruze2012]

Hey UpperB:
Regarding extreme confidence of knowing the code and getting a deep dive into the electronic inputs:
It only helps if you know what to do about it, right? PO171 is for lean condition right? Yet you did NOT mention changing the Mass Air Flow in your list of repairs - maybe that was simply an oversight, it is tough to make each and every post perfect! Vacuum leaks cause lean conditions too.

But, I too am with you about getting a great scanner. If ever I get a CEL (check Engine Light) I suspect I will get a really good one. It also protects me against getting over diagnosed at the dealer service department.

 

[Earthangel496]

The Zurich lineup above zr11 are great from Harbor Freight Automotive Code Readers and Diagnostic Tools – Harbor Freight Tools

 

[Upperb]

DWS and Earthangel,
Thank you very much for weighing in. Since posting, I cleaned the mass airflow sensor and replaced the air filter. I then cleared the code, using a friend’s very simple scanner. 60 miles later, the check engine light reappeared. Code P0171.
With so many different scanners on the market, I have been having a difficult time choosing one. From what I have seen posted in the various sites that I have looked at, it would appear that Snap On and Autel are among the most popular with shop owners. It was my hope that a tech or shop owner that uses a scanner a lot could recommend one in the $250 - $350 range they have found to meet their needs. Earthangel, do you use the Zurich scanner in your work?
Again, thank you. Take care.

 

[frankh]

The P0171 is what appears when the diaphragm ruptures in the valve cover. Pop the center cover off.. it just clips on and see if you can hear/feel hissing through the diaphragm vent relief hole.. The large circle next to the oil fill cap but on the backside of the engine. If air is going into that hole at idle then thats the cause of your lean condition.

You need to check for the presence of the PCV valve in the intake manifold too.

 

[Upperb]

Hi Frank.
Thank you very much for your advice. I have replaced the valve cover and installed the latest version of the Cruze Kits PCV valve retrofit kits. The valve cover diaphragm is still intact.