What P0174 Means on Your 2020 Dodge Charger
A P0174 code on your 2020 Dodge Charger tells you that Bank 2 is running too lean. The 2020 Charger offers the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (292 hp), 5.7L HEMI V8 (370 hp), 6.4L HEMI V8 (485 hp in the Scat Pack), and the supercharged 6.2L HEMI in the Hellcat (717 hp). On V-configuration engines, Bank 2 is the passenger side. Too much air or insufficient fuel on that bank triggers this code.
Whether you have the V6 or a HEMI V8, a lean condition affects performance and can cause engine damage if you keep pushing the car hard.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Loss of power during acceleration
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine hesitation or stumbling
- Possible detonation under hard throttle (V8 models)
Common Causes
- Vacuum Leak (30% likelihood) – Intake manifold gaskets, vacuum hoses, and PCV connections. HEMI intake manifolds have multiple potential leak points.
- Exhaust Manifold Leak (25% likelihood) – HEMI engines are known for exhaust manifold bolt failures. A leak upstream of the O2 sensor creates a false lean reading on Bank 2.
- MAF Sensor Issue (25% likelihood) – Contamination from oil vapor or aftermarket air filters causes inaccurate airflow readings.
- Fuel Injector Problem (20% likelihood) – Clogged or failing injectors on Bank 2, potentially from MDS-related carbon buildup on V8 models.
Diagnosis
- Scan all codes – Check for P0171, misfire codes, and bank-specific data.
- Compare bank fuel trims – Isolate whether the issue is Bank 2-specific.
- Listen for exhaust ticking – Classic HEMI manifold bolt failure symptom.
- Smoke test – Find vacuum leaks in the intake.
- Test MAF and fuel pressure – Verify proper operation.
Repair Costs
- Vacuum leak – $80–$500.
- Exhaust manifold – Bolt/gasket: $200–$500. Manifold: $400–$900.
- MAF sensor – Cleaning: $10. Replacement: $80–$250.
- Fuel injector – Single: $100–$280. Labor: $150–$350.
DIY Feasibility
The Charger's engine bay varies by engine. The V6 has decent access. The HEMI V8 is tighter but still workable. MAF cleaning is easy on all models. Exhaust manifold bolt repair on HEMIs can be challenging due to seized bolts. The Charger enthusiast community has great DIY resources online.
Prevention
- Use quality fuel (premium recommended for V8 models)
- Replace the air filter on schedule
- Inspect exhaust manifold bolts periodically
- Use OEM-style air filters to protect the MAF
- Consider fuel system cleaning every 50,000 miles