[rsbob200]

So for over a year now I have been fighting with with rough idle at stop signs. About a week ago while leaving a Kroger store it would not start and when it finally started it had no power to move. If I stepped on the gas nothing would happen except act like it was going to stall out and pressing the gas peddle farther just made things worse. Well I put it back in park and it seemed to straighten itself out. Ran normal again except for rough low idle problem at a stop sign.Yesterday I was just driving down the road and the Check engine light came on for the first time since I bought this thing new. Went to Auto Zone and had it scanned for the codes and they pulled a P0171 system too lean for a predetermined period of time. They are saying probably a vacuum leak. Problem is but where? I am taking it to my local shop and they are going to run a smoke test mid next week is the earliest they can get me in. Any other suggestions in the meantime? The car is 2009 Corolla XLE with the 1.8L engine and an auto 4 speed tranny.

 

[cj1]

Wouldn't mess with it too much since shop is going to do a smoke test if they suspect a vacuum leak.
Important to let the shop do their diagnosis and don't just request a smoke test.
Reason being is that it could be a MAF or fuel related problem.

You could try locating the vacuum hoses( see engine diagrams) checking the air intake after MAF sensor for obvious cracks/splits.
If bad enough you may be able to hear a air/hissing sound.

 

[SuperchargedMR2]

Some of the vacuum hoses are very easy to see. Take the engine cover off and you could just look around at them and see if anything is obvious. Maybe even start the car and see if you notice anything. If nothing is obvious just wait until you have them do the smoke test.

 

[Mgeorge]

I agree with cj1, don't just go and ask the shop specifically for a smoke test, just tell them the symptom and let them diagnose it themselves. Otherwise you may just be paying needlessly for a smoke test and not getting answers.