Strange issue after CAI install

[xsurferx]

I am new to the forum, unsure where to post this. Mods feel free to move the thread.

I have a 2010 SS, manual tran, muffler delete, and now a cold air intake. I bought a specter kit, had one on an RS with no issue. After doing the install of the CAI i am unable to give the car full throttle. it will throw a CEL and kill the car. I have 4 codes after that, one for TPS sensor, 3 for the throttle body. If needed i can go get the code numbers. Never had this problem until cai was installed. I have checked the wiring. Only thing that got unplugged to do the install was the MAF. That plug is solid. I checked all the hose clamps and nothing is loose anywhere. Additionally i am able to give the car full throttle in 3rd gear on but 1st and second cause the issue above.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have no issue returning the cai if thats the solution to the problem.

[OK2DRUL]

It's most likely the CAI as this is the only change you state you made recently to the car.I would return it and buy one from a more reputable company. I personally don't trust performance parts that are sold at AutoZone. There's plenty floating around the classifieds in the V8 bolt-ons section that would be equivalent in price and not cause issues.

[f5journal]

MAF backwards?

[karnov]

Hard to say without seeing the other three codes, but could be a bad MAF or maybe the MAF just needs cleaning. I have heard of MAF sensors being damaged while installing a CAI, but try cleaning it with some MAF cleaner first to see if it fixes the problem.

[Hannibal]

You may have one of the weak MAF sensors. Take it out and check the code on it. There are several threads here on how to determine if you have one.

If it turns out that you have a weak MAF, Jannetty can get you one of the strong MAFs and your issue should go away.

[436SS]

Read this thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291436

[RubberChicken]

Originally Posted by f5journal

MAF backwards?

That was my problem when I put in my CAI. But in my case the car would start up and then the engine would die a few seconds later. His problem sounds like a dirty or bad MAF.

[xsurferx]

Codes are p0121(throttle pedal position sensor A) p1516 (throttle actuator module) p2101 (throttle actuator control motor) p2119 (throttle actuator control)

[ADM PERFORMANCE]

Originally Posted by xsurferx

Codes are p0121(throttle pedal position sensor A) p1516 (throttle actuator module) p2101 (throttle actuator control motor) p2119 (throttle actuator control)

Are you sure you don't have a VMAX throttlebody on there?

Never mind!

[jbrown13]

Originally Posted by f5journal

MAF backwards?

Not really possible to install MAF Sensor backwards as the screw holes are not symmetrical.

[xsurferx]

After about 4 hours of screwing around with this I found a small nic in a wire going to the maf, I fixed that and then rewrapped the whole set of wires going to the sensor. That did nothing unfortunately. The car runs great until I give it full throttle. Then the car will run until 6000 rpm and immediately throw a cel and die. It will then refuse to start until I clear the cel. I am most likely going to return this kit and move on to a k&n along with my nightfury cam, just wanted to see what gains the cold air did before I did both at the same time. Guess I should stop being so curious. Thank you guys for all the help.

[Avenging Orange]

Did you clean the maf? Is that an oiled filter? Have you tried putting the stock box back on? A cai alone should not cause this...........whatever the brand.

[Ace1USMC]

Originally Posted by xsurferx

I am most likely going to return this kit and move on to a k&n along with my nightfury cam, just wanted to see what gains the cold air did before I did both at the same time. Guess I should stop being so curious. Thank you guys for all the help.

I'm sure I'll stir up a hornet's nest with this - but in my opinion and experience, a CAI is a total waste of money. They look cool - but that's a lotta bread just to look cool. I actually have facts to back up my opinion.

My buddy and I both have '11 SS LS3 cars. We both got the EXACT same parts, installed them, etc. Camshafts (identical), rocker trunions, oil pump, pushrods, timing chain, headers, full exhaust - I mean every last part was identical - except for the fact that he also bought a CAI, and I thought it wasn't gonna be worth the money, and wanted to see dyno results first. We both got our cars tuned by the same expert LS tuner guy - he used the same tune for both of our cars. My buddy's car with CAI made 2.9 hp more, and I made 4 lb/ft tq more than his. That's it. To me, that proves CAI's aren't worth the money or hype - but still no one ever believes or listens even...

The airflow limitation on these cars is in the heads. The intake and stock airbox can easily outflow the stock heads - especially when you don't have a bumpier camshaft.

[xsurferx]

i took the maf out and cleaned it with maf cleaner then let it dry on paper towels and put it back in. Still did nothing. It is also a strong maf (K16) I really think the intake is just crap. I will post pictures when i get out of work today and can get back to my garage. It is mostly made of flimsy rubber (should of been the first hint when i opened the box). Ace, i agree it is alot of money to look cool and i would put my stock one back however, I originally had an RS that i bought new, didn't really like it very much after i drove a couple friends cars, they all had SS camaros. I found this SS in the same color scheme as mine and had to have it. I am not the first owner. The person before me felt the need (for what reason i have no idea) to drill a 3in diameter hole in the stock air box, after the filter of course, i was concerned it would allow the motor to suck up something it shouldn't so i figured cai was the way to go.