So apparently an aftermarket CAI breaks StabiliTrak... who knew?

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

This morning, just as I arrived at work, I got a couple messages on my DIC saying "engine power reduced" and "service StabiliTrak". Naturally I said uh oh, especially a few minutes later when a check engine light popped on, the TC/StabiliTrak-disabled caution lights lit up, and an OnStar diagnostic said to service the vehicle immediately and recommended a tow because my car might not restart!

Anyway I got it to the dealership without incident, and just got it back. The techs said that the engine was running too lean due to my aftermarket CAI, which caused the errors. Now I can see the check engine light coming from that (although I'm a bit skeptical, since I haven't had a problem in the nine months since I installed it and I just checked to make sure the connections were secure), but including the StabiliTrak one, according to the tech? He wasn't the one who worked on my car (that one went home), but still, to get that answer from him on what the StabiliTrak error was earned him my best "What do you take me for?" look.

I don't think it's really a problem - not now, anyway, but when I had my Apollo 13 moment I sure did - but I just thought it was a funny answer to get.

[Jcobra]

What cai do you have, are you tuned??

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

Airaid V2, and no I'm not tuned.

[DevilKnightFalcon]

You should not need a tune for just a CAI and a CAI certainly should not effect Stabillitrek. Did you install yourself or did you have a shop install? Sounds like the install wasn't done right. Perhaps your airflow sensor isn't properly connected?

[Ghost1LE]

I just got a Roto-FAB CAI and I want to install it. Did they work out the issues, which from what I read they did, and did they have any problems with you having an aftermarket CAI ?

[CamaroC-17]

Did you put the MAF sensor in the right way? Becuase it is directional and will acuse serious problems if put in backwards

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

I did install it myself, and I'm 100% certain it was done right. Except for the grounding peg (whatever the proper term is) - getting its bracket to connect to the body of the car was a pain in the neck, but I solved that, eventually. And I know the MAF sensor is in right - as I recall Airaid's slot for it is keyed so it only goes in one way, but either way I made a mark on it (in an area where it couldn't get on the sensor or any wires) showing which way it should be installed... I was also VERY careful with it, I heard they're kinda delicate.

But like I said, it's been nine months since I installed it without the slightest problem, and by now if it was the MAF I think I'd know it was a problem. Same fuel grade that I've been using for over a year, same types of fluids and all are at the proper levels, regular maintenance schedule, no leaks in anything detected anywhere, the Intake filter is clean, no blockages anywhere... When I got home I loosened, refitted and retightened all the straps holding the CAI components in place and went for a drive throughout the RPM range, putting all kinds of loads on it, and keeping an eye out for even a flicker of a caution light - not a thing. And since none of that would affect Stabilitrak, I think the car was just having a blonde moment.


BTW at high RPMs (5000+), is it normal to hear a crinkling sound from somewhere under the car around where the driver sits? Hot air blowing through the exhaust, maybe?


And no, they didn't give me much grief over the CAI. The work was done under warranty, all they did was "recommend" I put the stock intake back in.

[greenisgood]

Did they say they did anything to it or just reset stuff?

[Toyaholic]

There are some weak MAF's installed on some of these cars. If you remove the sensor there should either be a letter or a letter and a number on it. If it's the letter only, then you have a weak sensor. These sensors are not an issue if the car is stock. Once you change the air flow, the issue may show up.

I checked mine today getting ready for the VaraRam intake and WaHooooo! It says K9... that means I will be safe installing this intake.

Check it out http://www.vararam.com/camaro.html

[KIZE]

Originally Posted by Skillz512

I just got a Roto-FAB CAI and I want to install it. Did they work out the issues, which from what I read they did, and did they have any problems with you having an aftermarket CAI ?

I've had root fab in for a year with zero problems. I had a local shop put it in and they charged me one hour labor last April.

[MillerTime]

I don't know what the issues is...but anytime you have a "major malfunction" with the vehicle... it says to service stabilitrac... I missed a plug wire after doing some work and that message came on... kinda weird...but normal i guess..

[clg_98ta]

Originally Posted by Lazerbrainz2k3

And no, they didn't give me much grief over the CAI. The work was done under warranty, all they did was "recommend" I put the stock intake back in.

What work did they do to fix your car? Any parts replaced?

[camaro1]

stabilitrak is tied into the ecm, and most any time you get a ses light or a code in the ecm the stabilitrak light will also come on because the system needs valid data from the ecm,, without the valid data the stabilitrak cant do its job

also some codes will not set a ses light till the second or third fail,, but the code will still be set in the ecm and this can cause the stabilitrak light to come on,,,,


just like when a dtc is set in the ecm,, your remote start will also be disabled

[ravensjeff]

From what I remember of a CAI study down by one of our sponsors (Jannetty?), I thought one of them did require a tune. Something like 1 out of the 10 studied was id'd as needing a tune. Can't remember which one, and why. I know it wasn't Roto-Fab, which was the one I was looking to get at the time.

Did they install a new MAP sensor?