Per TSB, some of the causes of P0171 and P0174,

P0171 - System Too Lean (Bank 1) The Adaptive Fuel Strategy continuously monitors fuel delivery hardware. The code is set when the adaptive fuel tables reach a rich calibrated limit.

Fuel System:
�· Contaminated fuel injectors
�· Low fuel pressure or running out of fuel (fuel pump, filter, fuel supply line restrictions)
�· Vapor recovery system (VMV)

Induction System:
�· MAF contamination
�· Air leaks between the MAF and throttle body
�· Vacuum leaks
�· PCV system concern
�· Improperly seated engine oil dipstick

EGR System:
�· Leaking gasket
�· Stuck EGR valve
�· Leaking diaphragm or EVR

Base Engine:
�· Exhaust leaks before or near the HO2S
�· Secondary air concern
Powertrain Control System:
�· PCM concern

P0174 - System Too Lean (Bank 2) Same as DTC P0171, but Bank 2. See Possible Causes for DTC P0171


MAF sensor

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=36
and
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=zetecmaint&Number=989728&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
and
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1b/cb/25/0900823d801bcb25.jsp


"Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles