Error code P0172 - 2006 V8 Vantage
Discussion
Well, it had to happen. Took the car out for a drive and got the "emission system service required" message pop up. Car runs, but it has a terrible flat spot as you apply the throttle and stalled once. Got it home, interrogated the ECU and found error P0172 - "System Too Rich (Bank 1)".
Reading around I've narrowed it down to a faulty oxygen sensor on the right hand bank ahead of the catalyst (upstream) or perhaps a faulty MAF sensor on the right.
I've got another O2 sensor on order but would like to hear everyone else's opinions. Am I on the right track?
Just to say, I haven't had the engine apart and haven't been fiddling with either sensor, so I don't think it is anything I've contributed to!
Joys of AM motoring eh?
Reading around I've narrowed it down to a faulty oxygen sensor on the right hand bank ahead of the catalyst (upstream) or perhaps a faulty MAF sensor on the right.
I've got another O2 sensor on order but would like to hear everyone else's opinions. Am I on the right track?
Just to say, I haven't had the engine apart and haven't been fiddling with either sensor, so I don't think it is anything I've contributed to!
Joys of AM motoring eh?
Ahhh , 'P0172' that old chestnut 
In both of the V8 Vantages' i owned (2006 mopdel and 2008 model), i used to get this error code every once in a while. I was told by AM themselves (friend used to work at HWM Walton- on-Thames) to reset the code with an OBD2 reader, if it was a real problem, then the fault would return soon enough.
So i would reset the error code using an OBD2 reader and then the 'emissions fault' would not reappear for as long as 6 months again.
OBD2 Reader : https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBD2-Code-Reader-Diagnost...
Do a search, there are cheaper versions.........
In both of the V8 Vantages' i owned (2006 mopdel and 2008 model), i used to get this error code every once in a while. I was told by AM themselves (friend used to work at HWM Walton- on-Thames) to reset the code with an OBD2 reader, if it was a real problem, then the fault would return soon enough.
So i would reset the error code using an OBD2 reader and then the 'emissions fault' would not reappear for as long as 6 months again.
OBD2 Reader : https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBD2-Code-Reader-Diagnost...
Do a search, there are cheaper versions.........
Edited by nw28840 on Friday 23 May 12:03
Edited by nw28840 on Friday 23 May 12:04
3 possibilities for this reading. O2 sensor malfunction, injector over fueling or bad coil pack (lots of unburnt fuel passing to the cat). I had a misfire with no code set; graphical code reader showed rich at one 02 sensor. I traced a bad spark using a simple spark tester, and a new coil pack fixed the problem.
Ive had this message a few times on previous Vantages and each time would reset and see how long it took to come back. When it got to re-occurring every few weeks I just changed the O2 sensor. Changed 3 over the years. Not too expensive, buy generic part online and local garage fit for hours labour.
Well, I sorted out the problem with my Vantage V8 and thought I would share it with you guys.
I decided to clean the MAF sensor on the driver’s side. So I removed the inner wheel arch on the front, cleaned the sensor, but then noticed a problem. The air intake pipe had come away from the pipe that goes to the throttle body. This is held on with a plastic ratchet clamp, which are not too good at the best of times.
So in effect there was no air movement over the MAF sensor. So I reconnected it and tightened the clamp, put everything back together, reset the error codes and took it for a test drive.
The engine ran sweetly, no flat spot and was back to normal. After 20 miles I checked and bingo - no error codes!
So it looks like the pipe came off after hitting a speed hump and that threw the error codes. I can’t believe it, but can't think of any other reason. So total cost about £10 for the MAF cleaner and three hours work. Just saved about £400 at the nearest Aston specialist!
So if you get error P0172 just check your air filter pipework is connected properly. I’ll probably fit a big jubilee clip next time I have it apart again, but for now I’m over the moon!
I decided to clean the MAF sensor on the driver’s side. So I removed the inner wheel arch on the front, cleaned the sensor, but then noticed a problem. The air intake pipe had come away from the pipe that goes to the throttle body. This is held on with a plastic ratchet clamp, which are not too good at the best of times.
So in effect there was no air movement over the MAF sensor. So I reconnected it and tightened the clamp, put everything back together, reset the error codes and took it for a test drive.
The engine ran sweetly, no flat spot and was back to normal. After 20 miles I checked and bingo - no error codes!
So it looks like the pipe came off after hitting a speed hump and that threw the error codes. I can’t believe it, but can't think of any other reason. So total cost about £10 for the MAF cleaner and three hours work. Just saved about £400 at the nearest Aston specialist!
So if you get error P0172 just check your air filter pipework is connected properly. I’ll probably fit a big jubilee clip next time I have it apart again, but for now I’m over the moon!
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