$110 for a check engine light?

[DocHolliday]

Dropped off the Camaro at the dealership for a check engine light. Car has just under 1k miles on it. I get a call from the service writer telling me it will be $110 to diagnose the problem because I have a CAI installed. Does that sound right? Is there something I should try first on my own before I shell out the $ for these guys to tell me the problem or are they just completely ripping me off because they see a mod on the car?

[SSOOCH]

Doc, I think you can buy your own code scanner for that much. Or take it down to a Pep Boys or Autozone and they will scan your code for free.

[v6sonoma]

The check engine light is probably caused by the CAI. Depending on the style some require a tune (voids warranty), others if they use an oil filter( K&N) might have some oil leeching off and getting on the MAF sensor.

[1badtie]

what if the problem is not the intake (which is more than likely is) cant you just put the stock one back on and take it to another dealer? and what brand intake do you have?

[Infern0]

You should have your OnStar trial still at this point as well. Hit the blue button and ask them to read the code remotely. Great feature. Shouldn't fail, but if for some odd reason it does, AutoZone stores and those similar (Advanced Auto, etc) will read it for free as well (though most refuse to clear it now).

Anyway to your original question, yeah that is BS. Car is under warranty still, they should at least read your code for free. Takes 10 seconds. If it turns out being your intake as the cause however, being that they are obviously dicks, they will put that on your "permanent record" which will be viewable by all dealers in the future. Might as well take the safe route before getting involved with them.

From the results posted by Jannetty, it doesn't look like the AirRaid should be causing you any issues in the first place though unless you tried to start the car with the MAFS unplugged or something silly during install. Test Results. If it DOES end up seeming related to the intake, throw the stock one back on and the light will likely turn itself off. Then you will have your confirmation and need to proceed with other troubleshooting steps for your intake (recheck seals, positionings, etc).

[meanmike]

They can only charge if it was caused by the CAI itself.............. Dont let them or anyone else tell you any different.

I see you have shorty headers as well I'm not sure if they will cause it but I know long tubes will.

[DocHolliday]

Thanks for the replies fellas...the light came on some 500ish miles after the CAI and shorites were installed. Per Jannetty's posts my CAI shouldn't cause the check engine light.

They have now decided to "cut me a break" and diagnose the problem for $85...what a deal! lol

Guess this is the road you go down when you start ANY mods.

[Kinetic Kev HWSE 2013]

That is what they charge at all dealerships to diagnose problems, time limit is usually 1 hour.

[2010 SSRS]

not cool

[wbt]

I would tell them to %$#@ off and get your car back. Take it to Autozone and have the code read for free. If it is a problem caused by your mods then fix it on your own. If it is unrelated they will print the code and you can take it to the dealer to fix. Total BS...

[HeavyD]

Well, if the shorties, or CAI did indeed cause the code, why should that be warranty? At this point they are just covering their a$$es. You can't blame them for that. I would say either take somewhere else or tell them you will only pay IF your mods caused the codes.

[SS-Eric]

Push your OnStar button and they can tell you what the code is and what might be causing the problem, then come back to the forum and see if there is quick fix!!!!

[Camaro21]

They should check it out for free and only charge you if it is something that is caused by you putting an aftermarket intake on it.. If an oxygen sensor is bad and caused the check engine light to come on and not by the cold air intake, then you should not have to pay anything...

[SS-Eric]

Originally Posted by Camaro21

They should check it out for free and only charge you if it is something that is caused by you putting an aftermarket intake on it.. If an oxygen sensor is bad and caused the check engine light to come on and not by the cold air intake, then you should not have to pay anything...