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K&N Intake causing check engine light to come on...

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Old 11-06-2012 | 03:04 PM
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chefhhr's Avatar
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K&N Intake causing check engine light to come on...

So last week I had my wagon into the dealership because the check engine light came on. Before I went in, I removed my K&N to see if that was the cause. I get a call from the dealership and they had to replace my maf sensor. Well I talked to several people and they said that the K&N shouldn't cause this issue so I put it back on the wagon Friday afternoon and today the light returns. I'm guessing it's the same issue. Now I really don't want to remove my K&N because I love the look and sound but here in GA I can't pass emissions with a CEL on. I'm trying to figure out what I should do. Any suggestions besides the obvious of removing and taking back to the dealership?
Old 11-06-2012 | 03:17 PM
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It's the oil on the filter. clean off all the oil .
Old 11-06-2012 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by oneton
It's the oil on the filter. clean off all the oil .
Any ideas what I should use? The filter came preoiled (just bought a new filter a few months back).
Old 11-06-2012 | 03:31 PM
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I would get the code read too....I have had problems with everything I have tried except the stock PAPER air filter...have K&N OEM replacement on my SS, and still get limp mode once a week or so

oh and The code is P0101
Old 11-06-2012 | 04:09 PM
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If SS, not sure that it relates to how the cobalts work, in a cobalt SS the filter element has to be at a very specific angle, if you have the K&N logo on the end of the filter right side up CEL, if you have it upside down and the top edge pointing to around the 11 o clock area, you can run with no CEL/LIMP mode.

Also, I believe its AEM that sells the MAF screen/diffuser whatever they call it, looks like honeycomb, you put it inline in front of the MAF sensor, it smooths out the air and is supposed to avoid cels.

Hope this helps.
Old 11-06-2012 | 04:39 PM
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I had my K&N on for quite some time without a single issue ever.

I only swapped it out because I got the GMPP HHR one on craigslist for a good price.

Clean the MAF sensor, remove it wipe it clean and replace it, go have the "code" cleared if you can't clear codes yourself.

See it it comes back, if not your good to go. If it does, K&N has a filter Recharger Kit they sell, about 20.00-25.00 depending where you get it. Clean the filter, oil it LIGHLY, very very LIGHTLY a Misting is all. Reinstall it go have the code cleared and see if it comes back.

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Comes back again, Clean Both the MAF and the filter, this time use no oil, reinstall, go get code cleared and see if it returns.

Search youtube and see if there is any maf testing you can do to test it at home if need be.

Those are my suggestions. Hope they help.

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Old 11-06-2012 | 05:10 PM
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Oldblue's Avatar
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I have the same advice as A&P clean the filter many people have over oiled filter from new in the box, clean it rinse it, dry it then just lite mist the dirty air side only install it and yes clean the MAF sensor
Old 11-06-2012 | 05:27 PM
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From: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
on a side note, but still related..how often should these filters be cleaned?
Old 11-06-2012 | 06:22 PM
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From: Republic of Texas
GM maf sensors are notorious for failing because of the oil from K&N's. I've replaced many of them, and a good portion of them it was blatantly obvious what caused the failure. 2x as bad on Duramax maf sensors, don't ask me why.

For that reason I never recommend them to my customers.
Old 11-06-2012 | 06:31 PM
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My cel is now off. Not sure what's going on? Can your tpms sensors cause it to throw a cel? It's been cold here and my tpms light is lit up.


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