Hello all!

I had this problem earlier today and I am worried about my car. I was on my way to school and about 30 minutes into the drive the car started shaking. It first started with a few gradual vibrations and then it started vibrating harder. The CEL also blinked for a bit and then stayed on. I have had the CEL for quite some time and I just haven't gotten around to fix it. The code that it reads is P0171. But I got scared and I just bolted straight home and had someone give me a ride to school. I just checked right right and it starts but I am worried about driving it because I don't want it to die on me at school or something. Could a tune up be the issue? Any inputs would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

P0171, bank 1 lean.

If the CEL is blinking while the engine is running. Its MISFIRING. Which is why your feeling a shaking condition. Probably due to it ingesting coolant, which is causing the misfire.

How long have you owned the car? Do you know the repair history of it?

The code has been on for about 8 months now. I just haven't had any funds to fix it but luckily I have some right now that will enable me too. Although it never flashed until today.

I've owned the car for about 4 years. When I bought it, it was around 7 months when I had the intake manifold replaced due to it being flooded with coolant. And about 7 months ago I had replaced the FPR (thanks to you guys! Thanks again!) and changed the spark plugs and cleaned the MAF since then. And the usual oil changes but that'* about all the car repairs it'* had under me. I do not know the repair history it before me. I am going to take it to the dealership by my home for a CEL inspection. Hopefully it won't be too much, I am a broke college student!

Do you remember if the regular plastic lower intake gasket was used or if the better metal framed gasket was used?

It was a plastic one.

Check your coolant level. Both in the radiator and the reservoir.

I am not able to do that now but I will tomorrow. What should I look out for?

Low coolant level.

Check your oil too. If its milky or over full, and your coolant is low, you got bad gaskets somewhere.

you sure the did the lower when they did the upper? alot of times they dont and its as bad as the upper most times

If they used the plastic LIM Gasket I recommend swapping it out with Fel PRO'* Aluminum Framed Gasket, the plastic gaskets are known to fail.
Also, be sure to swap the EGR Stovepipe out with the reduced diameter one that comes in the Fel-PRO LIM Gasket Kit.