CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
Post Reply
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on

Post by SWiRv »

Hello all -- I need some advice. I have a 04 GT and we just installed a Injen CAI (RD2076?) this weekend. The install went OK as far as I can tell. Right after we started the Vibe up and no problems, no warning lights. The drive home was fun.On the drive to work this morning the Check Engine Light came on. Checked connections under the hood and everything seems OK. Don't have tools right now to check the restrictor unit in the fender, but will do so tonight.Do any other members with 04 Vibe GT or Matrix XRS experience this problem? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
ArcsVibe
Posts: 5784
Joined: Tue Jul 29, 2003 10:12 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by ArcsVibe »

Here are a few threads regarding the CEL, I hope it helps you!http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... ?id=794Sam
Genvibe Global Moderator
MOTM September 06 & July 09
VOTM April 06
Neptune Vibe 2003 (7-10-2003 - 9-14-2010 vendu/sold)
Mazda3 GX 2008 (9-14-2010 - 5-09-2014 vendu/sold)
Matrix XR 2010 (5-09-2014)

Image
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ArcsVibe)

Post by SWiRv »

Thanks, Sam. I'll check out some of these other possibilities. Because it was raining so hard yesterday, I'm wondering if there was some condensation or moisture collecting overnight. Will let you know how it turns out.
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
ArcsVibe
Posts: 5784
Joined: Tue Jul 29, 2003 10:12 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by ArcsVibe »

No worries! That's why we are here to help each other out!Good luck and yes please keep us posted
Genvibe Global Moderator
MOTM September 06 & July 09
VOTM April 06
Neptune Vibe 2003 (7-10-2003 - 9-14-2010 vendu/sold)
Mazda3 GX 2008 (9-14-2010 - 5-09-2014 vendu/sold)
Matrix XR 2010 (5-09-2014)

Image
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ArcsVibe)

Post by ragingfish »

It is unusual to have a CEL triggered by an Injen...I've heard of them coming up with TRD though.Question: Did you gas up at all between the time you installed and the time you got the light? If so, make sure your gas cap is tight and clicking when you turn it...if you gassed up and put the cap back improperly, it could trigger a CEL, and you might be looking for the wrong solution.If all else fails, take it to an Autozone, get an error code, and see what it says...you know what they say...error codes know best.
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ragingfish)

Post by AKLGT »

yes, but swirv has an 04 GT. he is the first member i know of so far that's installed one on the 04 w/ the new airbox thingy (yes, my technical term). so i wonder if that has anything to do with it. check the hoses, connections, make sure the filter didn't fall off, etc. of course also check the fuel cap... etc etc.it seems strange to me that his CEL came on so soon. when mine threw, it took about 3-4 days. and i drove it about 300 miles.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
VibeChick
Posts: 577
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:26 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (trdvibe)

Post by VibeChick »

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »it seems strange to me that his CEL came on so soon. when mine threw, it took about 3-4 days. and i drove it about 300 miles.Well, he does live a loooooooooooooonnnnnnnnggg way from Keely...but not quite that far
Used to have: 04 Monotone Abyss 5 SpeedNow the proud owner of a black 2005 SRT-4230 Hp250 lb/ft torque
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (trdvibe)

Post by ragingfish »

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »yes, but swirv has an 04 GT. he is the first member i know of so far that's installed one on the 04 w/ the new airbox thingy (yes, my technical term). so i wonder if that has anything to do with it. Hmm...good point. That smog pump might be screwing wtih it...would be curious to see what the error code is...
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ragingfish)

Post by AKLGT »

sorry, swirv, but you may be the guineau pig on the forum for the new 04 GT cai.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (trdvibe)

Post by SWiRv »

Well, the gas cap would have been a simple fix, but it's not that. I noticed in the instructions that the one way check valve is capped off (short grey cylinder connecting to the front of the engine then sprouting off 2 T joints and tubes to the OBD canister). My one way check valve is NOT capped, with lines still going into the OBD(?) gizmo. My question is: if I cap it, what happens with the OBD?
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by AKLGT »

are you talking about one of the vsv valves? i capped one of mine too. it just hangs there because you don't need it. if it's not then perhaps it got some moisture in it? you said it was pouring rain? so, cap it, reset the ecu and see what happens. if it still doesn't go out, then take it to the dealer. they shouldn't charge you the first time for the CEL
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
ScottS
Posts: 91
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 7:43 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by ScottS »

This thread helped me out with my Short ram install:http://www.matrixowners.com/mo...22550I haven't had a cel yet (been about 2 weeks).I don't know if you can see the one way valve in this pic of my SR but I just ran it back to the front. The link above does a much better job describing what to do.

Attached files
04 GT Satellite MonotoneWith Stuff
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ScottS)

Post by SWiRv »

Scott S., YOU DA MAN!! I followed the link to matrixowners.com and kudos to the original author. First, I disconnected the battery. I took off all the tubing to the OBD and capped off both nipples with a short piece of extra tubing. I ran one tube from the one way check valve back towards the engine and connected it to the metal nipple just in front of and under the intake to the engine. Connected the battery. When I started it, no CEL. On the 20 minute drive to work, no CEL! Hopefully that will be the last of it. Will keep everyone updated in the weeks to come. Thanks again!!
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
VibeChick
Posts: 577
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:26 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by VibeChick »

Irvin - glad to hear that you got it fixed!!
Used to have: 04 Monotone Abyss 5 SpeedNow the proud owner of a black 2005 SRT-4230 Hp250 lb/ft torque
Mr. Poopypants
Posts: 3428
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 11:59 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

Quote, originally posted by SWiRv »Scott S., YOU DA MAN!! I followed the link to matrixowners.com and kudos to the original author. First, I disconnected the battery. I took off all the tubing to the OBD and capped off both nipples with a short piece of extra tubing. I ran one tube from the one way check valve back towards the engine and connected it to the metal nipple just in front of and under the intake to the engine. Connected the battery. When I started it, no CEL. On the 20 minute drive to work, no CEL! Hopefully that will be the last of it. Will keep everyone updated in the weeks to come. Thanks again!!HAHA Nipples OK, bring on the maturity posts........
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (VibeChick)

Post by SWiRv »

Quote, originally posted by VibeChick »Irvin - glad to hear that you got it fixed!! Thanks! Yeah, it was a little nerve-wracking the last couple days. I knew it was the CAI, but there was that nagging doubt that I might be screwing up the engine. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next few days.
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by SWiRv »

DOH! Disregard that last post... went to lunch today and CEL came back on. I was accelerating in 3rd at the time, but no where near lift. I guess I might have to pull open the fender and look at the hoses going into the smog unit after all. Still open to suggestions....
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
VibeChick
Posts: 577
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:26 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by VibeChick »

Oh, sorry dude! That sucks You'd better just order the unichip like Hope did
Used to have: 04 Monotone Abyss 5 SpeedNow the proud owner of a black 2005 SRT-4230 Hp250 lb/ft torque
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by AKLGT »

well, i would check all the hoses on the lower portion again first. then take it in to the dealership. find out WHAT the code is. if it's "engine too lean" then you know it's just dumb luck. LOLbut the unichip made my CEL go off plus gave me about 20% more low end torque and power. i'm very happy w/ it's overall performance, just not the price tag too much. still much much cheaper than a s/c or turbo, with very low chance of it screwing up your engine!
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (silverawd26)

Post by AKLGT »

i think he said he did that already... but make sure you get all the hoses and what not checked so they are not leaking anywhere
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
VibeChick
Posts: 577
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:26 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (silverawd26)

Post by VibeChick »

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »I did not see anything about him placing the cap opn the TB nipple, on the OB Canister. Oh well.... I'm sure he'll welcome any suggestions that might help
Used to have: 04 Monotone Abyss 5 SpeedNow the proud owner of a black 2005 SRT-4230 Hp250 lb/ft torque
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (silverawd26)

Post by AKLGT »

that's ok. i think it was actually in the cai meet thread or on another board.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (silverawd26)

Post by AKLGT »

rob, i'm wasn't saying you shouldn't post. was just pointing out that i believe he tried that already. that's all. if you can think of anything else it might be, cause i don't know. when it comes to CEL and CAI's that's the extent of my knowledge. if he checked the "nipple" (and sorry, but i have to chuckle), the hoses, and cleaned the MAF, what else might it be???
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
ScottS
Posts: 91
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 7:43 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by ScottS »

Hmmmm. I'm stumped.
04 GT Satellite MonotoneWith Stuff
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (ScottS)

Post by SWiRv »

Hey guys... I connected the one way check valve back into the metal nipple by the throttle body. I disconnected all the remaining tubing going into the OBD and used a short piece of tubing to cap off the 2 plastic nipples on the OBD. This is all according to the matrixowners.com thread. Drove it once, no problems. Next start up, CEL on again. No time to open up the fender right now, but will do so before heading off to the dealership. Am I doing any damage by driving it with the CEL on? Thanks for all your input! I really appreciate it!
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (SWiRv)

Post by AKLGT »

nope. but still have the dealer check it to make sure it's just the cai. i drove w/ mine on for 2 yrs w/ the tundra. even SOLD it w/ it on. tt the guy last month and it's still never gone off. we just took the bulb out LOL
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Roadpig
Posts: 119
Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:10 am

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (silverawd26)

Post by Roadpig »

All this CEL stuff is making my head spin! That CAI was going to be my next mod, but now I'm not so sure...Swirv, that CAI, where did you get it from? Ptuning?Good luck with the CEL, if you solve the problem - I'll buy the CAI. It's all up to you man
2004 Vibe GT, Neptune Two ToneGraphite Interior, Moon & TunesPower Package, 17" Rims, Exhaust Tip Mods Tinted (50% front window, 35% back & rear)Cosmo Alpha Omega 3 Child Seat & Booster SeatCustom Cargo Mat, DebadgedMagnaflow Cat-back Exhaust, Injen CAI
User avatar
Keely
Posts: 261
Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2002 12:47 pm
Location: Calgary, Canada
Contact:

Re: CAI installed -- Check Engine Light on (Roadpig)

Post by Keely »

Roadpig, the three of us bought from a local dealer up here in Canada. You can check out the regional thread for more details.If it's any consolation SWiRv, I'm now joining you in the CEL club.
keely dunn
Evanshall
Posts: 164
Joined: Sun Jun 13, 2004 12:30 pm

Post by Evanshall »

totally different car, but once a K&N airfilter made my tauruses CEL go on, when we checked it out there was supposidly nothing wrong according to the dealer, so weve been running it like that for about 2 years now, no problem with the car at all, actually the fastest base model run any of my friends with tauruses have ran was in that car 10.12(0-60), still slow, but not bad being 155hp in a 3100+ pound car with 4 speed auto, i have yet to match that time again
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: (Evanshall)

Post by SWiRv »

Update: First, I disconnected the battery so the ECU would reset. Then, I opened up the fenderwell and lo and behold the vacuum hose from the CAI to the smog unit was, (a) kinked (from being folded up in the packaging) and (b) the end connecting to the smog unit slipped out.According to Injen's instructions, you are supposed to stuff the end of the hose into a smaller opening on the smog unit which is a bit of a struggle to say the least. I finally got it in place and duct taped it. I also used duct tape to maintain the shape of the hose so it doesn't bend in on itself.It's a temporary solution for now, but NO MORE CEL!! I've driven the Vibe for about 4-5 start/stop cycles so far and I've noticed some extra ooomph, too. Later, when I clean the filter, I'll try and slip the hose OVER the smog unit connection (although I think we tried that before) and clamp it down. Hopefully this is the last of my worries.
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: (SWiRv)

Post by AKLGT »

glad to hear it worked out for you! now to get keely's up and running w/o the CEL
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Roadpig
Posts: 119
Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:10 am

Re: (trdvibe)

Post by Roadpig »

Excellent! Swirv, I'm glad you got CAI to work on your o4 GT. I have renewed hope in the whole thing & will save up cash to buy it Just as an interesting side note, I emailed Injen the other day to ask if they have a CAI for the 04 GT, and their response was that they did not but hope to have one "soon". Thought that was interesting. Looks like the CAI for the 04 XRS fits OK in you Vibe....right? Any pointers when I install?thx
2004 Vibe GT, Neptune Two ToneGraphite Interior, Moon & TunesPower Package, 17" Rims, Exhaust Tip Mods Tinted (50% front window, 35% back & rear)Cosmo Alpha Omega 3 Child Seat & Booster SeatCustom Cargo Mat, DebadgedMagnaflow Cat-back Exhaust, Injen CAI
grego
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:46 pm

Re: (SWiRv)

Post by grego »

Glad to hear that you finally got everything working. I was waiting until Injen or K&N came out with a CAI specifically for our car, but maybe I will rethink that. I really want to add this to mine. BTW like the color of the car!! Great choice.
04 Vibe GTSalsa, Moons and Toons, Sport Package, 17' factory rims, Tinted windows. Interior removable panels color matched to carMods to come: Lowering Springs and CAI, when available
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: (Roadpig)

Post by SWiRv »

Quote, originally posted by Roadpig »Excellent! Swirv, I'm glad you got CAI to work on your o4 GT. I have renewed hope in the whole thing & will save up cash to buy it Just as an interesting side note, I emailed Injen the other day to ask if they have a CAI for the 04 GT, and their response was that they did not but hope to have one "soon". Thought that was interesting. Looks like the CAI for the 04 XRS fits OK in you Vibe....right? Any pointers when I install?thxThanks for everyone's input and support. If you have a 04 GT you have to order the 04 XRS CAI because of our 10lbs. worth of smog unit in the bumper. Advice? Buy DJ a case of beer and he'll come over to help you install it Really, a buddy with previous knowledge helps a lot. Injen's instructions work up to a point, but this is what I found helpful:1. remove the MAF sensor first and carefully bolt it on the CAI right away2. pull off all the little diameter tubing going into/from VSV, throttle body, etc. and cap off the metal nipple under the throttle body and use a small piece of tubing to cap off both nipples on the VSV (at least I think that's what it is) 3. remove the front bumper - it looks scary as heck, but it makes getting into the smog unit much easier (need 2 people for this)4. duct tape around the connection to smog unit, or if you can, fit the vacuum hose OVER the smog unit connection and clamp it.5. make sure the vacuum hose is not bent/kinked near the smog unit - this is what caused my CEL. Again, duct tape worked.6. keep track of your nuts... bolts, screws, etc. Hope that helps
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
SWiRv
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:36 am

Re: (grego)

Post by SWiRv »

Quote, originally posted by grego »Glad to hear that you finally got everything working. I was waiting until Injen or K&N came out with a CAI specifically for our car, but maybe I will rethink that. I really want to add this to mine. BTW like the color of the car!! Great choice.Thanks, Grego. I think the CAI gives you the most bang for your buck. You'll hear and feel the extra ooomph under the hood. I find passing up hills is easier and you'll want to hit lift more frequently... sounds like a hornet's nest gone ballistic
"... to boldly go where no one has gone before." 2004 Pontiac Vibe GTMonotone Salsa3M Hood Protector FilmSylvania SilverstarsInjen Cold Air Intake
Post Reply