Cold Air Intake CEL
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Cold Air Intake CEL
I just installed an aftermarket cold ait intake on my 2004 F150 FX4 5.4L. Intake works great, engine runs better, and it sounds NASTY, almost like I have a Flowmaster muffler, but under the hood, I love it!! However, as I have heard rumors about, I am experiencing the Check Engine lamp illumination once in awhile since the install for "System too lean" on banks both 1 and 2, which I am told is the MAF meter code. I just am clearing it and driving the truck for now. Anyone have a solution to this problem?? I know LOTS of you guys have cold air intakes, so whats the fix?? I have an Edge box, does Edge have a software update for this, or can I go in manually and re-adjust the MAF meter voltage?? If so, does anyone know what I should set it at?? Thanks!!
Mr86GT
Mr86GT
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
what brand CAI did you get? a CAI throwing a CEL is not normal. I'd call the manufacturer. there are supposed to do basic R&D before they sell something like that.
I have the Volant. Installed it with about 500 miles on the odemeter. I have 12,600 right now. Never had a CEL.
don't you just love that noise though. makes the truck sound like a fire breathing monster
I have the Volant. Installed it with about 500 miles on the odemeter. I have 12,600 right now. Never had a CEL.
don't you just love that noise though. makes the truck sound like a fire breathing monster
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Well, thats probably where I messed up. I got it off of Ebay. However, when I looked at others such as the K&N, this kit almost identically matches what the K&N one was. Volant is good, I was reading about that one too, and if you pay attention to their ad, they even state "ours will not throw a MAF meter code".
Thats how I sort of knew about this problem before I even installed this kit, but, I was just hoping I wouldnt be one of the "victims" of the feared CEL.
And, yes, I LOVE the sound, and thats why I am trying so hard to find a fix for this, because I DONT want to give up the kit or the sound and go back to stock! Because, as you guys know....its just WRONG...to leave anything stock. :-)
Thats how I sort of knew about this problem before I even installed this kit, but, I was just hoping I wouldnt be one of the "victims" of the feared CEL.
And, yes, I LOVE the sound, and thats why I am trying so hard to find a fix for this, because I DONT want to give up the kit or the sound and go back to stock! Because, as you guys know....its just WRONG...to leave anything stock. :-)
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
ouch. I'd suggest you go to a Volant then. I don't think you can do anything about it short of getting a custom tune done. a dyno tune will help, but it'll probably cost you about $200
you'd get better performance than the Edge...
you'd get better performance than the Edge...
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Well, I just emailed Edge, and asked them if they have heard of this complaint from others and if they have a solution. I also asked them if I were to go into the Edge's custom-programming mode, if I could simply change the MAF meter's voltages myself, and what the values should be set at. So, we'll see what kind of response I get.
Thanks for the input, I might maybe consider, if all else fails, buying a Volant, and just taking the loss on this kit. I'm addicted now.
lol
Thanks for the input, I might maybe consider, if all else fails, buying a Volant, and just taking the loss on this kit. I'm addicted now.
lol
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
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From: Over Yonder, MN
I don’t know how the intake is setup by heart just yet, but I’m thinking the MAF is after the filter. Do check for leaks after it, but I’ve also heard of aftermarket filters such as K&N and the like being over oiled causing some of the oil from the filter to coat the MAF causing strange codes, it’s a long shot but be aware of the possibility.
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disconnect your battery this will reset the computer, it should adjust to the increased air flow, if it keeps on giving you the lean bank code then you can get a different one that has worked out the probs. I had the same thing with mine, Airaid CAI, do not buy that brand!
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Originally Posted by one5150fisher
disconnect your battery this will reset the computer, it should adjust to the increased air flow, if it keeps on giving you the lean bank code then you can get a different one that has worked out the probs. I had the same thing with mine, Airaid CAI, do not buy that brand!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Colorado
I put on a K&N CAI this weekend, took about an hour, wanted to make sure didn't have any air leaks, but it works pretty good with my edge evolution, no problems yet. but the directions it came with were real good and had good pics to follow along with.
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Originally Posted by m825smoke
I put on a K&N CAI this weekend, took about an hour, wanted to make sure didn't have any air leaks, but it works pretty good with my edge evolution, no problems yet. but the directions it came with were real good and had good pics to follow along with.
lol
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From: Colorado
it's sounds pretty good, but when you get into it, that's when it rumbles. not sure about the volant, but have run K&N filters in all my truck, been real happy with them. so i decided to go with a CAI this time, and happy so far.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 314
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From: northeast
cai
I have the airaid jr with k&n air filter. Also have the edge programer and magnaflow muffler. No check engine lights, truck runs great with this set up. There is noticeable performance gains with these items. I would also state a small increase in mpg. If I hade to choose most noticeable it would be the edge. The least impressive would be the k&n. BWEP
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Hopefully your engine isn’t running too lean; otherwise it could lead to serious and expensive damage.
Without knowing exactly how lean your engine is running, it’s quite possible you’re causing cumulative and irreversible damage as you drive. In time, cumulative pre-ignition and or detonation (especially under heavy throttle / loads) will lead to catastrophic engine failure.
If you continue to run lean with this or any aftermarket intake, the only way to correct it is to find a performance shop with a dyno that specializes in custom PCM programming so they can modify the transfer function of your mass air sensor. Custom programming doesn’t come cheap, so don’t be surprised if you spend $400+ (programmer + custom programming + dyno runs) to fix this.
The Edge Evolution does not have any settings or adjustments that would address this issue and it’s not something they can simply add because of all the variables involved.
Without knowing exactly how lean your engine is running, it’s quite possible you’re causing cumulative and irreversible damage as you drive. In time, cumulative pre-ignition and or detonation (especially under heavy throttle / loads) will lead to catastrophic engine failure.
If you continue to run lean with this or any aftermarket intake, the only way to correct it is to find a performance shop with a dyno that specializes in custom PCM programming so they can modify the transfer function of your mass air sensor. Custom programming doesn’t come cheap, so don’t be surprised if you spend $400+ (programmer + custom programming + dyno runs) to fix this.
The Edge Evolution does not have any settings or adjustments that would address this issue and it’s not something they can simply add because of all the variables involved.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
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From: SE Georgia
the ECM is somewhat adaptive. if you're running lean, it will try to fix it. within it's capabilities of course. that is why you will get a CEL. no CEL = good to go
I would be more worried about running lean on a highly modified motor. a stocker with just a CAI shouldn't be a problem
I would be more worried about running lean on a highly modified motor. a stocker with just a CAI shouldn't be a problem