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Would running too lean throw codes?

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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 10:28 AM
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Default Would running too lean throw codes?

I had a "too lean" code some time ago, but don't know if it's serious or not. Would something like that cause damage to my car before CEL comes on?
And would clearing codes affect the readiness status on my car? If it wasn't a coincidence... last time I did that all my readiness codes got cleared too...
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 10:39 AM
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Default

umm you answered your own question... you got a too lean code before so...
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 10:45 AM
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Default Clearing the codes clears just about everything

including your fuel trims and timing memory. Bad plugs and misfires can even cause a lean condition.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 11:19 AM
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Default Is a too lean code w/o CEL possible or dangerous?

That's what I wanted to ask.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 11:23 AM
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Default The CEL comes on when the ECU can no longer compensate for a lean condition

The trim has a range of +-25%, if you get ouside +-10% you'll get an error code but no CEL, if you get outside the +-20% range you'll get a CEL. It's not until you go over the maximum trim +-25% that damage to the engine can occour because the ECU can no longer compensate.

Resetting the codes resets your trim, readniess, everything.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 11:29 AM
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Default Should I reset the code and wait if it'll show up again or ..

take it to a shop without even touching it...
In moments like these I shine very bright with my ignorance...
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 11:40 AM
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Default Unless you're sure it's due to a bad sensor, I wouldn't reset it

If it's actually runing lean for some reason and not just responding to a bad O2 sensor or bad IAT sensor, reseting it will force it to run lean again until the trim levels re-learn. It takes some time for the trim levels to adjust, during which you could be running dangerously lean. Another words, I leave it alone until you can figure out what's wrong.
If you have access to a VAG, do some logs. Check you MAF and IAT readings for one. You can also check the O2 sensor readings, but those can be somewhat confusing if you don't know what you're looking for.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 03:22 PM
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Default Sure is. I was running lean on an old crusty vac line for the FPR and got no CEL

I would put running lean as one of the more dangerous things you can do with an engine
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 05:20 PM
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Default Re: Unless you're sure it's due to a bad sensor, I wouldn't reset it

It should not be a vac line problem. I had that before and had the vac line replaced by the dealer. I suspect it could be from a bad sensor or a code that might be thrown when I spwapped ECU's. Stock to APR. (stage 1)
And yes you're right I don't know what I am looking for. However if I don't do it myself the dealer probably will replace the hoses, all the sensor and as soon as I put the APR chipped ECU back in, I'll be exacly where I have started.
Can anyone point me to any resources as to how to look for sensor, etc. problems.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 07:23 PM
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Default There's more than one vac line to worry about. Check the one at the rear of the intake manifold

that leads to the FPR. I'm pretty sure you can have a leak on that hose without throwing a CEL since it runs right to the FPR. I had this problem last week.
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