CEL with custom intake

[Big_Pezzy]

I just finished my custom intake last night. I will post pics soon. It is basically the same at the Sticky on this part of the site. Only difference is the MAF is basically right on my new pipe (created a mount for it and placed it on the pipe). I did everything as proper as I could. Disconnected the battery before installation, tightened all clamps well, Everything was fine at first. Started up well, let it run for 10 minutes as I cleaned up my area, no CEl. Go on my test drive route, approx. 45 min. I made two stops tho. Target, and Stater Bros. To go to Target was about 20 min, then to Staters 15 min. On My way back home, last 5 min of route, light comes on. Got home, disconnected the battery for about a minute, then started the car twice (letting the engine run for 5 or 6 minutes each time). No light, I thought I was saved. Drove to work (15 minutes) today around 8:45 AM, no light. On my way back home, 6 PM, the light came on right as I was getting on the Freeway which is two minutes from work. I didn't check my clamps to see if they are truly secure (my tools are at work). I haven't scanned for codes because i don't own a scanner, might do it tomorrow at work, but I was wondering if anyone could offer suggestions for me in the mean time. I did some research and, so what I am guessing, the larger pipe causes wind turbulence and messes with the MAF. Is that really possible? Anything helps and thanks in advance.

 

[VR4]

Start with codes but it sounds like you ditched the maf housing and just installed the sensor into the pipe?

Can't do that. Is calibrated to the size of the housing.

 

[Big_Pezzy]

That is basically what I did. and I was unaware of that lol. How could that cause a CEL though? Running too lean? And if that is the case, would installing a tuner (superchips, SCT, etc) fix the problem?

 

[colintrax]

That is basically what I did. and I was unaware of that lol. How could that cause a CEL though? Running too lean? And if that is the case, would installing a tuner (superchips, SCT, etc) fix the problem?

It's either running lean or rich.
A custom tune could probably correct it, but I don't think you want to spend that kinda money to fix a problem with a simple soultion. Put the MAF back where it was, technically the stock intake is a cold air. You can run a reusable filter in the factory location

 

[Big_Pezzy]

That's what I was thinking. i was planning on buying a tuner in about a month anyways, that's why i ask. But definitely didn't think I'd do it at the same time as the intake. But I don't understand why it took so long for the light to turn on. During my test drive there were times where I would floor it, like I passed someone on a road, no light. Should my engine be fine, even running rich or lean, until tomorrow or sunday so I can scan it?

 

[colintrax]

It should be fine for now but it's not good to run it not in stoic.
It takes so long because it's having to identify the issue, and go through a drive cycle. Only time the CEL will illuminate immediately is when there's a shorted wire or some serious issue

 

[VR4]

It's probably throwing lean codes. If the tube is larger than the stock housing the engine isn't registering all the air. It takes time because the fuel trims have to be out of spec for a certain amount of time before the cel is commanded on.

 

[Big_Pezzy]

is it possible for the computer to eventually adjust to the new amount of air flow? Or would a tune be the only way to go? I am a little hesitant on putting it back to stock because I spent a good amount of time and money into this. But I mean, I want it to run well also

 

[2000StreetRod]

short & long term fuel trims

The PCM adjusts the short and long term fuel trims in an attempt to achieve the desired air/fuel ratio as reported by the O2 sensors. If the PCM reaches the adjustment limits then it sets the CEL. Even if it were able to compensate there would still be a problem because the PCM ignores fuel trims when in open loop (after engine start before the O2 sensors are hot and at heavy engine loads).

 

[Big_Pezzy]

It is definitely running lean. I scanned for codes at work, P0171 came up (System too lean, Bank 1). I just cleared it for now. I'll mod my intake to accept the stock housing or just put it back completely stock. A tuner is a little out of budget currently

 

[YTF0rd]

at least add some pics of what you made so we can see.

 

[intelisevil]

at least add some pics of what you made so we can see.

+1

 

[Big_Pezzy]

I just posted the photos on FB

https://www.facebook.com/bigpezzy77/posts/1050392681660207