P1071-System too lean (Check Engine)

[cricmasters]

Hi everyone,

I recently had the check engine light show up on my car. Its actully been something on and off for the last 2-3 weeks (it goes away on its own sometimes, or when I fill the gas sometimes)

I took it to two diff. garages I was informed:

1) replace plugs, tune up and throttle body wash,clean MAF sensor---Approx 200

2nd garage) Replace gas intake manifold and clean MAF sensor--Approx 250

I just bought my first car recently and have no experience with mechanics and how to go about dealing with such issues. Any help or feedback as to what you would suggest should be done would be great

Car: 2006 Toyota Corolla
Code: P1071 System too lean

*PS Went to the dealership but they said they dont cover such expenses and would charge 105 just to see the car and say whats wrong..

Also my gas cap when I fill gas has a hole so not sure if the light comes up due to air going through the cap, the mechanic said its fine, that plastic cap is only there for draining any water that goes in..

Thanks for your help!

Cheers

[mikered30]

Welcome. Describe the cold idle start up (RPM, engine sounds, tach position, etc) in cold weather compared to a cold start up in the summer or does it only happen in the winter?. How many kms on the car?

[cricmasters]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Welcome. Describe the cold idle start up (RPM, engine sounds, tach position, etc) in cold weather compared to a cold start up in the summer or does it only happen in the winter?. How many kms on the car?

Hello Mikered..the car has 92,000 km and the start up of the car seems fine similar to summer. I havent noticed any diff. in performance or anything even after the check engine light came on.

The light has only been coming for the past three odd weeks, it wasnt there during summer (when I originally acquired the car)

Thanks

[mikered30]

You can buy a can of MAF cleaner for $10 or so and clean it yourself.

See this link on how to clean the MAF: http://matrixowners.com/index.php?showtopic=65513

Might want to check the o ring on the MAF to see if it is deformed. What kind of air filter do you use? Stock intake?

[dorman68]

INtake manifold gaskets are a common issue with the 1zzfe engine. I would replace those.

[cricmasters]

Originally Posted by mikered30

You can buy a can of MAF cleaner for $10 or so and clean it yourself.

See this link on how to clean the MAF: http://matrixowners.com/index.php?showtopic=65513

Might want to check the o ring on the MAF to see if it is deformed. What kind of air filter do you use? Stock intake?

I was looking to do that but just wasnt sure if I would be able to and wouldnt want to experiment on the car.. Ill have a look though into doing that

[cricmasters]

Does the $200 sound right for the replacement of intake manifold gasket?

[aspen007]

$200 to replace the gasket seems high unless that includes a charge for the initial diagnosis.

Toyota rates the intake gasket repair as a one hour job. The intake gasket part costs about $10.

$100-$125 is probably a fairer price for the actual removal and replacement of the itake gasket.

[05Limited]

I would also check the air filter and make sure it is an OEM paper type filter. The K&N type can cause lean conditions in some cars.

[mikered30]

Since you dont have any odd idle issues, I suspect the MAF, although you never said what intake/filter you have. If you clean it and inspect the o ring carefully and the light is still on, test the intake manifold with carb cleaner. There is a chance that your ECU is faulty, did you get the new ECU yet with the recall?

[cricmasters]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Since you dont have any odd idle issues, I suspect the MAF, although you never said what intake/filter you have. If you clean it and inspect the o ring carefully and the light is still on, test the intake manifold with carb cleaner. There is a chance that your ECU is faulty, did you get the new ECU yet with the recall?

Hi Mike,

No I am not aware of ECU being faulty, I didnt get a new ECU as I am not aware of any recall. (The previous owner did not inform me of any issues)

I am not sure what kind of air filter I have as well...its the paper quality one from Canadian Tire.

I went to the dealership but they refused to deal with the car and said its not covered by Toyota if the car is older then 60,000 km

[cricmasters]

Yes it is the paper type filter.
Thanks for your rep;y!

[mikered30]

Toyota will look at it, you will just have to pay for it.

Well the ECU maybe related to your problem. You can call the dealer and give them your VIN and see if you are eligible to get a new ECU under the recall. The 06s are have an abnormally high failure rate for the ECUs.

http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/T-EG051-05.pdf

http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/T-EG006-05.pdf

First step is to clean the MAF with MAF cleaner and see if the light goes off.

[cricmasters]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Toyota will look at it, you will just have to pay for it.

Well the ECU maybe related to your problem. You can call the dealer and give them your VIN and see if you are eligible to get a new ECU under the recall. The 06s are have an abnormally high failure rate for the ECUs.

http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/T-EG051-05.pdf

http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/T-EG006-05.pdf

First step is to clean the MAF with MAF cleaner and see if the light goes off.

Hi Mike,

Well the check engine light is currently gone, it goes away on its own and comes back every now and there for a bit...

I didnt even know though about the ECU, dont know if that happened to cars that were sold in Canada though...

Thanks

[Elmacanite]

Intake manifold gasket -- $5-10
Time it takes to replace -- 45mins to 1 hour

Even if it isn't the problem (yet) you need to replace it because it is an updated part because the old gaskets had corrosion problems or something. Just go ahead and swap it out.