What Does P0172 Mean on Your 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?
A P0172 trouble code on the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse means the engine control module has found that Bank 1 is running too rich. The 2022 Traverse uses the 3.6L V6 engine making 310 horsepower with direct fuel injection. Bank 1 on this transverse-mounted V6 is the rear bank nearest the firewall.
A rich condition means excess fuel is entering the combustion chambers. This wastes fuel on a vehicle that already prioritizes size over fuel economy, and can damage the catalytic converter over time.
Common Symptoms You May Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rough or fluctuating idle
- Black exhaust smoke
- Gasoline odor at the tailpipe
- Reduced power or hesitation
Top Causes of P0172 on the 2022 Traverse
- Contaminated MAF sensor - Road dust and debris contaminate the MAF element, causing underreported airflow and excess fuel injection by the ECM.
- Degraded upstream O2 sensor - The Bank 1 upstream oxygen sensor may become sluggish, sending incorrect voltage to the ECM for fuel trim adjustments.
- Leaking fuel injector - A direct injection injector on the rear bank that fails to seal properly delivers excess fuel to the cylinder.
- EVAP canister purge valve - A stuck-open purge valve continuously sends fuel vapors into the intake manifold.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Pull codes and review freeze frame data. Check Bank 1 STFT and LTFT values. Negative LTFT beyond -10% confirms the rich condition.
Start with the air filter and MAF sensor. Clean the MAF with MAF-specific cleaner. Monitor the upstream O2 sensor on Bank 1 with live data; it should toggle between 0.1V and 0.9V.
If only Bank 1 is affected, focus on the rear bank O2 sensor and injectors. If both banks are rich, the MAF or fuel pressure is likely the cause.
Repair Options and Cost Estimates
- MAF sensor cleaning or replacement: Cleaning under $10. New sensor $50-$170 plus $45-$100 labor.
- O2 sensor replacement: Parts $50-$155. Labor $80-$160.
- Fuel injector replacement: Parts $40-$115 per injector. Labor $210-$430.
- EVAP purge valve: Parts $25-$60. Labor $50-$105.
Can You Fix This Yourself?
MAF cleaning is easy. O2 sensor replacement on the rear bank can be tight but is doable. Fuel injector work is advanced. The 2022 Traverse may still be under warranty for some repairs.
Prevention Tips
- Replace the air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles
- Use Top Tier gasoline
- Add fuel system cleaner periodically
- Do not ignore check engine lights