P0171 lean code

[mrautoteacher]

2009 Aveo with 104000 miles. I have spent years working on cars in shops. For the last 20 years I have been working with high school age kids at a career center. I could not figure out this P0171 lean code. I took it the the dealer, first car I ever took to the dealer to have repaired. They had to replace the valve cover, something about the pcv baffle bad. Car runs great now. I would never have guessed this would correct the problem. Sometimes it takes these guys who work with thus day in day out to knows what the problem is.

[avguy]

Although I haven't seen this posted before, it sounds like there was a vacuum leak. So I'm curious to know if the vacuum gauge showed any fluctuation?

[mrautoteacher]

I never hooked up a gauge. Not sure about the short trim fuel or short fuel trim readings. Never had those when I was working at the dealerships.

[avguy]

Ok, and thanks for posting this information. Hopefully a second gen owner with the sames code and issue will find this thread with a search.

[Ken Jaworski]

Ok, and thanks for posting this information. Hopefully a second gen owner with the sames code and issue will find this thread with a search.

Here is a video with the exact same problem in the PCV system but on a Cruze. The valve cover is different but the valve is the same hidden inside the valve cover on the Aveo. The guy in the video forced opened (broke the plastic housing) the valve to see why it failed. I have the exact same problem on my 09 Aveo right now. I'm waiting for the new valve cover kit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhuxYYCjzuQ