Maf Sensor Or O2 Sensors? (p0171)

[coloradocorolla]

Hello,

I have a 2001 Toyota Corolla S with approx 75,000 miles on it. It's hesitated a little bit and sounds a little bit rough at low RPMs... recently, the check engine light came on. I took it to auto zone, and they gave the code readout of P0171 (Engine Lean, Bank 1).

I read that 2001's have been known to have the Mass Air Flow Sensor go bad... but I've also been told it could be the Oxygen sensor(s).

Here are my questions:

1) Has anyone else had this problem?

2) How do I know whether it's the MAF Sensor vs. the oxygen sensors?

3) If it were the oxygen sensors, how would i know which one it was?

4) Any other ideas what could be causing this?

I read an article on cleaning your MAF sensor, and may try that for starters. Any help would be much appreciated!!! I'm a beginner at this stuff, but don't ahve the cash to lay out to have it done right now. (just had to have all the struts and the brakes replaced... grrrrr)

Thanks,

Dan

PS... heres where I read the info about the MAF Sensor going bad: MSN Autos

[coloradocorolla]

PS... can anyone give me step by step directions in locating, removing & cleaning the MAF Sensor?

Here's a post on a celica website how to clean MAF sensor

Is it about the same in the Corolla?

here's another guide with pics on a tacoma and 4 runner site that outlines how to clean the maf sensor

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/...ntenancep5.html

[Firebreather]

See on the bulk head just where the 2 circle indents are? thats the MAF sensor in my corolla, just follow the same instructions as those guides and you should be ok

[coloradocorolla]

TOOK the maf sensor out, and cleaned it with electronic cleaner from Checker Auto Parts... it was dirty... I removed the negative connection from the batter to reset everything (turn the engine light off)... and the car is running fine. It's been 1 day and the light is not back on. Hopefully stays that way!!