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P0171 on Dodge Charger: Fix & DLC Location

Factory diagnostic troubleshooting wire for fault code P0171 (P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)) specifically on the Dodge Charger (2020–2026, 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo).

Dodge Charger
DIY Parts Estimate
$80 - $350 (DIY: $15 - $70)
Charger OEM Fitment
Shop Labor Quote
$180 – $380
Based on $120/hr labor
Drivability Status
Drivable (Short Trip)
Medium urgency level
Est. DIY Time
45 – 90 Min
Basic hand tools
Check P0171 On Another Dodge Model:
Dodge Charger

1. Symptoms of P0171 on Dodge Charger

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo) logs fault code P0171, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo)
Rough idling or engine hesitation on acceleration on Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo)
Hard starting in cold weather on Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo)
Pinging or knocking sound under load on Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo)
Dodge Charger OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver lower dash assembly next to hood lever. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Dodge Charger

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Dodge Charger point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Dirty or failing Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor (Dodge OEM Part)
25%
Cracked intake air boot or disconnected vacuum hose (Dodge OEM Part)
12%
Clogged fuel filter or weak fuel pump (Dodge OEM Part)
8%
Stuck open PCV valve or leaking intake manifold gasket (Dodge OEM Part)

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Dodge Charger

01
Clean the Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor

Disconnect the battery, unclip the MAF sensor on the air intake tube, and spray 10-15 bursts of dedicated MAF cleaner onto the thin wire sensor. Allow to dry 15 minutes before reinstalling. on the Dodge Charger equipped with 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo.

Required Tool: CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner, Screwdriver
02
Inspect Intake Air Ducting

Check the rubber accordion hose between air filter box and throttle body for tears or dry rot cracks. on the Dodge Charger equipped with 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo.

Required Tool: Flashlight
03
Inspect PCV Valve and Hoses

Shake the PCV valve; if it doesn't rattle cleanly, replace it. Inspect attached rubber hoses for collapsing. on the Dodge Charger equipped with 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo.

Required Tool: Pliers
04
Check Fuel Pressure

Connect fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve on fuel rail. Verify pressure meets factory PSI specs. on the Dodge Charger equipped with 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo.

Required Tool: Fuel Pressure Tester Kit
05
Clear Codes and Reset Fuel Trims

Clear DTCs and verify Long Term Fuel Trims (LTFT) return below +/- 10% on your scanner. on the Dodge Charger equipped with 5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner

Other Common Fault Codes on Dodge Charger

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Dodge Charger:

4. Dodge Charger P0171 FAQs

What causes code P0171 to trigger on a Dodge Charger?

On the Dodge Charger (5.7L / 6.4L 392 HEMI / 6.2L Hellcat (717HP–797HP) / Hurricane 3.0L Turbo), P0171 is most frequently caused by Dirty or failing Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or Cracked intake air boot or disconnected vacuum hose.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Dodge Charger?

On the Dodge Charger, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver lower dash assembly next to hood lever. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Dodge Charger with code P0171?

Yes, but prolonged lean running increases cylinder combustion temperatures. Given that P0171 carries a Medium severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.