Dreaded Check Engine Light

[Lorin]

Well, after two months and 2 thousand miles with the CAI, I am getting a check engine light. Everything appears to still be securley attached. I'm assuming that its CAI related, but who knows. What happens if I take it to the dealer with the intake still on? Should I return it to stock and see if the light goes out, and if not take it in? Anybody have any suggestions?

[KSNeptune]

A check engine light can be for something as simple as a not-to-tight gas cap. Just go have them check what the computer thinks the problem is. If they claim it's your intake, then make them prove it by showing you what the computer read-out says. And if it's true that the intake is causing a problem, then tell then not to fix anything, but that you'll take it off yourself and replace the stock intake. The Vibe was made to appeal to the the youthful "tuner" market, so Pontiac KNOWS and expects people will modify them. And if your intake IS causing a problem, don't you want to know about it so you can contact the intake maker to find a fix?KSNeptune

[Vibe Rater]

What he said.

[ragingfish]

Yeah, I read somewhere if the gas cap isn't installed right, it can trigger a check engine light. Take it off and reinstall it, making sure it clicks when you tighten it. Then it should go off in a couple miles.If not, something else is happening...

[Lorin]

quote:... Just go have them check what the computer thinks the problem is. If they claim it's your intake, then make them prove it by showing you what the computer read-out says. And if it's true that the intake is causing a problem, then tell then not to fix anything, but that you'll take it off yourself and replace the stock intake....Will I have to pay a diagnostics charge?

[PBFlash]

If they don't do any work then they will probably charge you for the diagnostics. Last time I had my Cavalier checked out they charged me $72 bucks just for hooking it up to the computer.

[mfreed]

FYI:Any NEW auto sold in the US after 95 (96+) will throw a CEL for a loose gas cap. OBDII dictates this. Ford got smart and put a "CHECK GAS CAP" light on the Focus (Wifes car). Save them alot of money for warranty work related to gas cap CELs.

[pmh013]

I was at the dealership when a customer called because of a CEL. The first thing they asked was "Have you gotten gas lately?" Then proceeded to explain that the cap must be secured, blah blah blah.

[ragingfish]

quote:Ford got smart and put a "CHECK GAS CAP" light on the Focus (Wifes car). Save them alot of money for warranty work related to gas cap CELs.I'm not one to pat Ford on the back, but that is commendable. I mean, that makes so much damn sense! ROFL!

[AKLGT]

I've had 2 different vehicles with CAI and my CEL lights both came on. The dealership charged me $50 to hook it up to the computer. They told me the computer read Engine runs lean and the cylinders are misfiring. I installed my CAI about 2 weeks ago in my Vibe GT and the CEL came on about 2 days later. I checked my gas cap, but that wasn't it. Being that this is my second car/truck with the same problem and same read out, I've gotten used to ignoring the light.If you really want to know, take it into the dealership. They'll probably tell you the same thing I've been hearing for the passed 2 years now. They won't fix it, just continue to give me the run around. i've also been told that if I upgrade the ECU (most likely with the JET chip), it will make the computer read that it's supposed to get more air. I believe that's the whole point with the CAI? Allowing more air for the engine?I gave up and just took out the CEL light from the dash.

[AKLGT]

another thought.... I was looking through the notes from some earlier posts and noticed most of the CEL issues involving CAI's are with the GT models. Anyone with a Base Vibe having problems with your CEL after installing a CAI?

[Strobo43]

Another thing is to make sure you turn engine off when refueling. That fixed my CEL problem!!

[ragingfish]

quote:Another thing is to make sure you turn engine off when refueling. Isn't that a law anyway?

[lordyogi]

ive had my cold air for a while now, i believe im well over 2000 miles on it and thus far my CIL hasn't come on at all. I would reccomend going to autozone, they do do those checks for free. when my roommate was burning up O2 sensors with his new headers and was throwing codes every 200 miles he kept goin there to get the codes cleared, and figure out what the problem was. yogi

[Lorin]

I went to Autozone today. I'm getting a code 400 and 446. "Evaporative Control Malfunction" and "Vent Control Circuit Malfunction". I checked the gas cap a couple of times - seems ok. I checked all the vacuum hoses from the intake install - all seem ok. Wires all look good.Question: Can a leaking vacume hose involved in the CAI install cause the codes I'm getting? I'm reluctant to take it to the dealer 'cause I'm not in the mood to get the run around, or pay some diagnostic fee. I'm tempted to put it back to stock to see if it cures things.... ?

[lordyogi]

take off your intake and clear your computer by disconnecting the battery for like 30sec, then put it back on if the CIL comes on try the same thing with the stock intake. if it throws the code again with the stock intake on go to the dealer and have them fix it.yogi

[Triton]

It may be a hassle to take everything off and put the stock air box back on, but it will be worth it to give you piece of mind. I am not going to say anything about a CEL light on my GT after the CAI install. I'm afraid I may jinx something.

[pissedoffgokart]

Those CEL code descriptions make it sound like it is A/C related. I am probably way off though.

[millster]

Here's a thought Lorin. I notice that unlike most people with the TRD CAI, you haven't mentioned the horrible clicking noise from under the hood. I wonder if your VSV is dead or disconnected? I may be way off, but it might be something to check if you haven't already.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:I went to Autozone today. I'm getting a code 400 and 446. "Evaporative Control Malfunction" and "Vent Control Circuit Malfunction". I checked the gas cap a couple of times - seems ok. I checked all the vacuum hoses from the intake install - all seem ok. Wires all look good.Question: Can a leaking vacume hose involved in the CAI install cause the codes I'm getting? I think all the evaporative emissions parts are in the back of the Vibe by the Gas Tank. Try a visual check back there and look for a vaccum leak or electrical disconnect. But with the possible issue being in the back, it should be safe to go to the dealer for diagnosis. Nova has the service manuals (maybe others also?), might be able to give more info.As an aside, many states check to see if the CEL is on or there are stored codes as part of the yearly vehicle inspections. A light or code could cause someone to fail. So every one man nedd to be checked out and fixed anyway.

[ragingfish]

quote:As an aside, many states check to see if the CEL is on or there are stored codes as part of the yearly vehicle inspections. A light or code could cause someone to fail. So every one man nedd to be checked out and fixed anyway.Not good 'ol Jersey! They wouldn't dare waste their time checkin any more than they gotta.

[Lorin]

Ok - lots of good ideas here I hadn't considered. I do hear the clicking sound. I let the engine idle for about 20 minutes today while I had a cell phone conversation... I heard the vsv clicking like crazy, then silent for a while, then back to clicking like mad. Here in PA, they have a vehicle inspection "program", so I gotta get the light cleared before inspection is due in July. Game plan:1) back wheels on the ramps and check for loose hoses / wires in rear2) unplug battery to reset codesif I still have the light...3) return to stock. light continues, take it in. Light goes off, blame self and go to plan C, whatever plan C is...If I have to go to part 3, I won't be able to get to it until Sunday. I'm planning another 1,000 mile roadtrip a week from this Friday, so I either need to wrap it or cancel the trip.

[ragingfish]

So, yeah, sounds like a plan...lol...ok, so I really mean to say, what's VSV? Variable speed ______?

[millster]

quote:...what's VSV? Variable speed ______?...Vacuum Switching Valve

[ragingfish]

Guess it wasn't variable speed. LOL!What does a VSV do?

[millster]

I'm not really sure purpose the valve under the hood serves on our cars. But they're usually there to change the flow of vacuum pressure to operate another system or portion of a system, to stop the flow all together, or regulate the pressure on the system.

[slinkston]

The codes that was found on Lorin's car is for the gas tank. A couple of us on Matrixowners.com have been experiencing getting a code that is "running too lean" - a direct corrilation from having the CAI. I had AutoZone check the code and reset it and it has been about 1 1/2 weeks since I've seen the CEL.There is a post on MatrixOwners called Check engine light (not CAI related) that dicussed the same things Lorin mentioned - the malfuntion codes. The guy has since simply made sure the gas cap was on tightly. You want the gas cap to atleast click like 5 times. If it is not your gas cap, I would seriously consider taking it to the dealer and asking them what the heck is going on with it.If you ever have to check your code, go to AutoZone first so you can get a prilimary code check rather than forking out $50 or whatever just for the dealer to hook it up on their computer and tell you the same thing.The check engine topic is always a continuing subject over on Matrixowners.-Slink

[Lorin]

Well, the light is gone! I pulled the battery cable and allowed the codes to reset. I've driven it on 3 separate occasions now, and it seems to be gone. Maybe it WAS the gas cap? The problem with mods is whenever something goes wrong, they become the obvious suspects. For now, the TRD CAI's "good name" has been cleared...

[Lorin]

Well, I'm on the road (near Richmond Indiana on Ohio border) and the @#$$% CEL is back! It ran great for the 500 miles over at 80-85 mph cruise, one gas stop (yes, I cranked the dickens out of the gas cap, been 180 miles since fillup....). Light rain for the last 1/3 of the trip. The second time I fired it up today I noticed it didn't seem to have the same zip as usual and low and behold, the CEL is back! > So, with 500 miles ahead of me for the return trip, I can either a) waste a couple of billable hours and go to Autozone in Richmond and read the codes and clear it out, or, b) scrounge up a 10mm wrench and pull the battery cable and reset the @#$%^ thing and hope it lasts until I get home.How do these CEL's work anyway? Do they keep logging error codes until it hits a certain number and then activate the light, or, at first sign of trouble? I'm trying to figure out if its been "unhappy" for a while, or if something just started today?

[PBFlash]

Lorin,Check out this thread. It mentions one of the codes you got. http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/images ... .html#vibe

[Lorin]

Awesome link! My game plan is to keep the clock ticking ($$$) as long as possible and just reset the codes until I get home. All I need is to find an adjustable wrench around here somewhere....I'll never leave home w/o one again. For you nostalga types, I'm working in what used to be the engineering and test building for the old Perfect Circle corp before they were bought out by Dana. Those old-timers who went through the "Dr. of Motors" program would have a cow if they saw me working on my JAPANESE FOREIGN CAR in their old garage where they used to overhaul engines to test new ring designs, PC seals and other gismos! Detroit ruled!

[KSNeptune]

quote: "Evaporative Control Malfunction" and "Vent Control Circuit Malfunction". Evaporative Control is why the gas cap has to be on right/tight. So gas fumes don't leak outside the tank. But a circuit malfunction means it may not be the cap itself, but the sensor that has failed.I doubt it has anything to do with your CAI, since the error didn't appear shortly after putting it on.KSNeptune