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Chevrolet P0174

The technician should follow SI diagnostics. If no cause

DriveUnknown. The supplied verified record marks safe-to-drive status as unknown.
ChargeUnknown. The supplied verified record marks safe-to-charge status as unknown.
ServiceContact a qualified Chevrolet/GM service provider for SI-based diagnosis, particularly if the MIL is illuminated or reduced engine power occurs.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For Chevrolet applications listed in the supplied data, P0174 appears in GM bulletin PIP5684 series among many possible DTCs associated with an illuminated MIL and, intermittently, reduced engine power. The bulletin states that a charge-air-cooler/induction-system leak may be the cause and directs technicians to follow SI diagnostics. A vehicle-specific diagnosis is required.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

Video guides

Watch Videos

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DTC Chevrolet P0174 Short ExplanationMaxidot Chevrolet
Causes and Fixes Chevrolet GMC P0174 Code: System Too Lean (Bank 2)HVAC Mechanic

Videos are supporting material and never override OEM or regulator evidence.

1. What does P0174 mean?

For Chevrolet applications listed in the supplied data, P0174 appears in GM bulletin PIP5684 series among many possible DTCs associated with an illuminated MIL and, intermittently, reduced engine power. The bulletin states that a charge-air-cooler/induction-system leak may be the cause and directs technicians to follow SI diagnostics. A vehicle-specific diagnosis is required.

2. Technical explanation

The verified diagnostic record labels P0174 with the canonical text: “The technician should follow SI diagnostics. If no cause.” The supplied official GM/NHTSA PIP5684, PIP5684A, PIP5684B, and PIP5684C communications list P0174 as one of numerous history or current DTCs that may be found under the stated condition. These bulletins say the concern may be due to a leak in the charge air cooler/induction systems and instruct the technician to follow SI diagnostics. The supplied evidence does not establish that this possible cause applies to every P0174 event or to every listed vehicle.

3. What system is affected?

The official bulletin evidence refers to the charge air cooler and induction systems. The supplied diagnostic record does not identify a system name.

4. How serious is this code?

Unknown. The supplied verified record marks severity as unknown.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • MIL illuminated.
  • Intermittent reduced engine power may be reported.

6. Possible causes

  • A leak in the charge air cooler/induction systems may be the cause, according to GM bulletin PIP5684 series.
  • Whether that possible cause applies to a particular vehicle with P0174 is not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Unknown. The supplied verified record marks safe-to-drive status as unknown.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Unknown. The supplied verified record marks safe-to-charge status as unknown.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by a qualified Chevrolet/GM service provider using SI diagnostics.
  • Provide the technician with all current and history DTCs and note whether the MIL and intermittent reduced engine power occurred.
  • Do not attempt high-voltage system repair based on this information.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. GM bulletin PIP5684 series directs the technician to follow SI diagnostics.
  2. The supplied evidence supports inspection/diagnosis for a possible charge-air-cooler or induction-system leak only within the bulletin’s stated condition; it does not provide a complete do-it-yourself procedure.
  3. No further diagnostic sequence is established by the supplied verified evidence.

11. When to contact service

Contact a qualified Chevrolet/GM service provider for SI-based diagnosis, particularly if the MIL is illuminated or reduced engine power occurs.

12. What the service center may check

  • Retrieve and assess current and history DTCs.
  • Follow the applicable GM SI diagnostic procedure.
  • Evaluate whether a charge air cooler/induction-system leak is present when applicable to the bulletin condition.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • The supplied evidence does not establish a specific repair.
  • Repair resolution is not yet established by verified evidence and depends on SI diagnosis.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • GM PIP5684 — NHTSA Manufacturer Communication MC-10167455-9999; published 2019-10-22. P0174 is listed among possible DTCs; a charge-air-cooler/induction-system leak may be involved; technicians are directed to follow SI diagnostics. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10167455-9999.pdf
  • GM PIP5684A — NHTSA Manufacturer Communication MC-10176300-9999; published 2020-05-05. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176300-9999.pdf
  • GM PIP5684B — NHTSA Manufacturer Communication MC-10178370-9999; published 2020-07-13. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10178370-9999.pdf
  • GM PIP5684C — NHTSA Manufacturer Communication MC-10182564-9999; published 2020-10-22. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10182564-9999.pdf

16. Recall information

  • No recall information was supplied or established by the verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified source: NHTSA-hosted GM manufacturer communications PIP5684 through PIP5684C. The supplied applicability data lists Chevrolet Bolt EV, Spark, and Volt, model years 2011–2018, US region; however, the evidence supplied does not establish detailed bulletin applicability criteria for each individual model/year.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does the supplied evidence say about P0174?

It says P0174 is one of many DTCs listed in GM PIP5684-series communications for a condition involving an illuminated MIL and possible intermittent reduced engine power. The bulletin directs technicians to follow SI diagnostics.

Does P0174 prove there is an induction-system leak?

No. The bulletin says a charge-air-cooler/induction-system leak may be the cause. It does not establish that a leak is the cause in every vehicle with P0174.

Is it safe to drive or charge?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied diagnostic record marks both safe-to-drive and safe-to-charge status as unknown.

Is there a verified repair?

No specific repair is established by the supplied evidence. GM directs technicians to perform SI diagnostics.

20. Sources & verification

ReferenceVerified
Chevrolet P0174: The technician should follow SI diagnostics. If no… | EV Diagnostics