Air Filter

[scas]

I bought my X in Ontario, where you have to do emmisions testing. I drove across Canada getting 3/4 of a tank to 400km. The only problem I have is if I put a air filter (FRAM, Motormaster) in, I can only get up to about 80km/ph and it really bogs down. I have checked eveything up to the throttle body, and nothing is plugged, and I don't throw any codes.. Any Ideas?

 

[dansnyder22]

get a K&N filter and throw away the crappy Fram filter

 

[MrQ]

So your bogging down at around 50mph? Yikes, bet it sucks on the highway. My suggestions are:

-Remove and clean the MAF. You will need Torx bits to remove it.
-Or remove the airbox and just leave the MAF attached to the air intake to remove the filter as the possibility.

 

[scas]

Filter is out. Thats what I did to run it across canada. I've talked to a few people, and none of them have the foggiest of ideas as to what the cause is. MAF was cleaned with brake clean, as was the throttle body.

 

[MrQ]

BRAKE CLEANER?? That's probably your problem. The deal is is the BC is an ACID and the MAF sensor is very delicate. What you needed to have used was something along the lines of electronics cleaner.

 

[dansnyder22]

at autozone they actually have MAF cleaner designed specifically for that. congratulations the brake cleaner has ruined your MAF

 

[scas]

MAF isn't screwed.. No codes, and correct voltage readings..

 

[dansnyder22]

MAF isn't screwed.. No codes, and correct voltage readings..

My 93 did the same thing and I replaced the MAF and it ran great even though there were not any bad codes with the old MAF. Just try a junkyard MAF to see if its doing what mine was doing.

 

[fixxxer]

Did you check for stored codes? KOEO, KOEO and CM codes? Did you used a code reader/scanner or did you jumper the diagnostic connector and use the CEL lamp for reading the codes?

 

[scas]

Used a brand new OTC Genisis sytem to sort through the codes. No codes at all except for one dealing with the transmission. (low fluid). But if you had the same issue, then I will try changing the MAF and see what happens/

 

[MrQ]

As far as I know as long as the computer is getting a signal from the MAF it won't throw a CEL. This doesn't mean that the MAF is working properly, just that the computer is getting a signal.

I suggest you remove the maf and then run the engine. It will run rough but you will be able to get past 50 mph. At least it is something to try.

 

[scas]

Like I said. It runs great without the filter. Thats what I'm finding weird.. It all deals with the air filter being in or out... In=crap running Out=Runs great

 

[MrQ]

Ok, one more option. When you removed the filter did you still run the intake to the airbox? If you did then I suggest checking the air intake in front of the grill. There are two parts to the air intake system. A tube that runs to the airbox from under the grill with a butterfly valve for letting more or less air in and the connection from the airbox to the throttle body.

 

[nitro71]

It's not the filter. Any new filter should be fine. Start with a general tune up. Do you have a check engine light? Fix first. New plugs. New spark wires. It could be the transmission? Any issues there? Fuel filter. Start with the easy, cheaper stuff that needs replaced anyways. Change out all the fluids.

 

[scas]

Brake cleaner is actully safe to use on the MAF. The thing you have to watch for is the wire that inside. Every once in a while, (Just shutting of the engine) That wire heater to a ridulcas temp to burn off anything that may have gotten stuck to it. BC is a non residue acid, true, but not after effects on metal components.

The vacum line was disconnected. Replaced it and works fine now.. Thanks.

 

[MDewell]

Don't know if this helps...but I tried to install a cold air kit on my X and it wouldn't run..i mean it did, but you could tell something was amiss..

I think we narrowed it down to the sensor though. If we put the stock air filter and parts in, it runs fine..

I just tossed it out as something I just couldn't do with my X..

 

[Tony H]

How did you make out with your front 'U' joints?

Obviously with a filter in you are getting 'normal' air restriction, the car is designed to run with this slight restriction so forget that K&N high priced junk to solve a problem.
I'm still not convinced that the MAF is sensing properly.

Try taking it out again and a Q-tip and Alcohol it clean CAREFULLY.

Do you have any history on this 'X'? is this new to you? Did it just start doing this?
A clogged Catalytic converter would bog down regardless of air filter so that's not it.
No Codes you say? Any other obstruction in the Air tubes that might add to the Air flow issue? Mouse nest

 

[scas]

The vacum line to the butterfly valve was disconnected. Once I reconnected it, it works fine..

It is new to me, about 6 months now, But I did drive across Canada with it.

When I bought, I didn't look to see if I had a filter in, so I was driving in for about a month before finding out that I didn;t have a filter. My own stupidity, but its a great little truck.. More space for what I do than my 2000 Chevy Venture.

 

[Tony H]

Glad it's running now...and Cheaply fixed.

Butterfly valve??? I think you are talking about the Throttle body

 

[scas]

check back to number 13. I never knew about it either till that was passed on. It was stuck in the closed position, but wouldn't fully open. Its underneath the battey holder