After installing Cat-back and CAI I got an emissions alert from Onstar. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CJay · 01-06-2011, 12:11 AM

After extensive research about how exhausts and intakes won't throw any sorts of codes - it hasn't - however, today when I got my diagnostic email I had an alert for my emissions system.

"The engine exhaust emissions system uses sensors to monitor engine combustion to ensure the engine always runs at peak efficiency, producing the least amount of pollutants. By closely monitoring the engine exhaust and providing feedback to the engine computer, the engine can adjust performance to ensure it is producing the least amount of emissions possible. In the event that one of the system sensors detects a problem, the engine computer can turn on the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light to indicate a malfunction. That information can also be sent to your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic check to alert you that service is needed."

I only installed the CAI, Inc CAI and Cherry Bomb V8 Cat-back. I'm wondering if the 1/4" larger pipe increased the emissions to the point where it sent up a red flag. There is no check engine light or anything, so I'm wondering what the problem can be.

I have to call up the diagnostic dept at Onstar tomorrow, they were closed for the night already. Has anyone else heard of this problem before? If it's only putting out more emissions, but still within the legal limit, and not robbing me of any performance, I'll just let it go.

Russell James · 01-06-2011, 02:58 PM

If your check engine light is not on I wouldn't worry about it. Those two things should not have set a code or light.

I would recheck everything that was touched on the CAI install. The MAF connection, vacuum line, clamps... and ask them what the code is.

CJay · 01-06-2011, 03:22 PM

After I spoke to them they said my fuel trims were off. I know Cold Air Inductions' CAI changes the fuel trim a fair amount. I'm guessing the ECU hasn't learned the new trims yet. I just sent Bill @ CAI a pm on here to make sure it was normal.

But yeah, as long as no CEL is on I'm not going to worry about it much.

01-06-2011, 12:11 AM	#1
CJay Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Massapequa, NY Posts: 69	After installing Cat-back and CAI I got an emissions alert from Onstar. After extensive research about how exhausts and intakes won't throw any sorts of codes - it hasn't - however, today when I got my diagnostic email I had an alert for my emissions system. "The engine exhaust emissions system uses sensors to monitor engine combustion to ensure the engine always runs at peak efficiency, producing the least amount of pollutants. By closely monitoring the engine exhaust and providing feedback to the engine computer, the engine can adjust performance to ensure it is producing the least amount of emissions possible. In the event that one of the system sensors detects a problem, the engine computer can turn on the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light to indicate a malfunction. That information can also be sent to your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic check to alert you that service is needed." I only installed the CAI, Inc CAI and Cherry Bomb V8 Cat-back. I'm wondering if the 1/4" larger pipe increased the emissions to the point where it sent up a red flag. There is no check engine light or anything, so I'm wondering what the problem can be. I have to call up the diagnostic dept at Onstar tomorrow, they were closed for the night already. Has anyone else heard of this problem before? If it's only putting out more emissions, but still within the legal limit, and not robbing me of any performance, I'll just let it go.

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01-06-2011, 02:58 PM	#2
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,482	If your check engine light is not on I wouldn't worry about it. Those two things should not have set a code or light. I would recheck everything that was touched on the CAI install. The MAF connection, vacuum line, clamps... and ask them what the code is.

01-06-2011, 03:22 PM	#3
CJay Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Massapequa, NY Posts: 69	After I spoke to them they said my fuel trims were off. I know Cold Air Inductions' CAI changes the fuel trim a fair amount. I'm guessing the ECU hasn't learned the new trims yet. I just sent Bill @ CAI a pm on here to make sure it was normal. But yeah, as long as no CEL is on I'm not going to worry about it much.