BBK Coldair intake - check engine light
11-14-2009, 05:07 PM
#1
BBK Coldair intake - check engine light
I installed a BBK cold air intake roughly a month ago on a 2006 GT, and I noticed the check engine light on. Supposedly, BBK advertises it as "no re-tune required", so none was done. I'm just a little baffled. Ever since I had the CAI installed, my stang seems to feel a little more restrictive and actually doesn't seem to cruise on it's own as much. I did have the code checked and it did say lean fuel mixture. Is this a cause for alarm or was it just a 1 time incident that caused the light to go off? I just noticed it today after about 5-10 min of driving normal driving and honestly I don't know if it has been on before. Being a shorter person, the steering wheel kinda blocks out those lights. I read mixed reviews on the site where I purchased the CAI from.Some people re-tuned and some didn't have to.
11-14-2009, 05:59 PM
#3
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 168
First check over all the tube connection to make sure nothing has
slipped loose. If everything looks tight disconnect battery for
30 minutes to reset computer, then start engine and let it idle
for 5 minutes then take it for a drive of about 30 minutes to let
computer relearn everything, then wait and see if light comes back on.
Like you've read some people have no problem with no-tune CAIs others
don't.
I'm a slow typer, ham beat me to it.
slipped loose. If everything looks tight disconnect battery for
30 minutes to reset computer, then start engine and let it idle
for 5 minutes then take it for a drive of about 30 minutes to let
computer relearn everything, then wait and see if light comes back on.
Like you've read some people have no problem with no-tune CAIs others
don't.
I'm a slow typer, ham beat me to it.
Last edited by J2L06GT; 11-14-2009 at 06:02 PM.
11-14-2009, 06:19 PM
#4
6th Gear Member
Quite a few "no tune required" CAI's will still throw a CEL on some cars. But IMO, you're only getting a small portion of the power gain (MAYBE 4-8 RWHP if you're lucky), if any, with a stand-alone CAI. CAI & tune combo provides roughly 15-25 or more RWHP with about 75% - 80% of that from the tune.
Running lean will eventually damage your engine. Get a tune.
Running lean will eventually damage your engine. Get a tune.
11-14-2009, 06:56 PM
#6
I've never done a tune before. I had a family member check the code with their device but they were unable to change anything besides clear the light. How do you determine the proper mixture or is it automatic with most tuners? Should I take it to the (dreaded) dealer instead?
11-14-2009, 08:08 PM
#8
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
I've never done a tune before. I had a family member check the code with their device but they were unable to change anything besides clear the light. How do you determine the proper mixture or is it automatic with most tuners? Should I take it to the (dreaded) dealer instead?
So what was the code the PCM had stored before he cleared it?
11-14-2009, 08:47 PM
#10
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Yep, that's an intake leak or CAI that needs a tune (Running lean condition). Check all of the hoses on the CAI and intake. You may want to clean the MAF, and if all that fails, try putting the stock CAI back in and see if the problem goes away. If it does then the BBK should be put aside until you can get a tune for it.
Like Nuke stated a few claim to be tune free CAI's but they can still trip the light because they're pushing the envelope.
Like Nuke stated a few claim to be tune free CAI's but they can still trip the light because they're pushing the envelope.