Hey Guys,
I recently had a Vortex cold air intake installed. It works great until I take my car on the highway and push it 90 -100 Mph. Then the engine light come on 10 -15 min later? I brought the car into the dealership to clear the codes but happened again last night. Do you think I need a Tuner to correct the problem?
C6 corvette/ 6 speed/ 4,000 miles.

Help!

 

Ahh...the dreaded check engine light again. I can't tell you how many times I've read other owners experiencing this after a CAI or header mod (experienced it myself on my 04 C5, but it took over two months and a particularly hot day to do the trick, and I was able to pull the codes from the DIC to determine no real problem, pulled a couple of fuses to reset the CEL, and then it never came back).

I would offer two things: first, the cause is more than likely minor in nature, especially if the car seems to be running just fine; and second, yes, you probably will have to get a competent tune to completely eliminate this problem if it persists. Before spending $300-500 on a tune, however, I would suggest you first purchase your own code reader (Equus Innova 3030, $70 or less from Walmart or on the web, or any number of other OBDII readers, which are also CAN-enabled for the C6), so you can read the codes yourself and reset. If you read the codes and they appear minor (i.e., small leak detected in air intake system, gas cap loose, etc.), try to tweak whatever it is if that's doable without special tools and/or equipment. If the problem persists (and there is a good possibility that it will), then you might consider a tune. But my experience is that a code reader is an invaluable tool with today's vehicles, especially with the way manufacturers have programmed them to light the CEL at the drop of a hat. HTH. Good luck!

 

Also Can Get a Predator which i got and works great...

 

Never had a problem with my CAI. No codes, I don't think it is a common problem. Headers, yes, plenty of threads, but I don't remember reading many CAI codes. What was the code they pulled, that would help

 

I have the Innova 3110 and it works great. There are a lot of good ones available and they all do different things. It is important to check them all out and get the one that sounds best to you as long as it's CAN- enabled as mentioned above.

 

The mesh from the MAF was removed. I think that could have caused I'm purchasing the Reader today and will post the error code later.

 

did you install the hose into the intake tube in the air bridge like their instructions say or after the maf sensor like it needs to be. had the same issue until i noticed the stock one was after the maf sensor. moveve the hose and lost the light....just my experience with it!!! GOOD LUCK

 

Trouble code : P0171 System too lean
I think a tuner should take of this problem.
???

 

PO171 Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1 ECM.

 

Got similar code on my Jag, it was a "loose" hose clamp on the intake to manifold connection.

 

cai dosn't cause cel. the cel is usually caused by faulty / in perfect reconnection in the intake plumbing.

 

The intake was installed by a professional. But was told if a MAF screen is removed the car might run lean at full throttle. A tune should take care of this.
What do you guys think?

 

if you think it code is caused by the descreen maf, take a look at this thread incase you missed it.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1504068

 

Thanks CBR. I posted a thread on that link which read :My c6 has been running lean after the installation of my vortex. I just ordered a Predator tuner.What should I set my fuel trim curves to?

 

I must say every one is eager to sell something..
the code is caused by the screen being removed..
the air is actually bypassing the sensor portion...
its very common.
reinstall...
if you are in ca I have a couple mass air flow sensors....
if not s.o.l.
any other help
udriveslow@yahoo.com

 

I also have Vortex CAI my light goes on then goes off . but latley it stays on ...???

 

Mine comes on the second I bring it around some humidity ie: Carwash. It takes a hour or 2 and a few starts to get rid of it. Must be a slight hose or filter leak.

 

There are several posters here who have said they have problems with their aftermarket CAIs causing CELs. My comment about CAI installation was meant to imply that even the install process can introduce leaks, etc. that you need to be aware could cause a CEL. I think anytime you fool with the intake or the exhaust from the manifold past the cats, you run the risk of CELs: that's just the way these cars have been programmed by the manufacturer. At any rate, I think the consensus seems to be removal of the MAF screen is the culprit in this case...still, a CAI install problem, I would argue.

 

wrong....mine been off since i installed it over 2 years ago...this is just bad advice plain and simple...just like the under drive pully will hurt the car and don't run wheel sensors. did you look at the hose going into the intake tract like i said....i just say a brand new unit from them and they are still shipping out the c5 air bridge to c6 owners. the c5 airbridge has a hole in it for the tube. this needs to be plugged and a hole put in the rubber tube right behind the maf sensor. also double check all hose clamps. if air gets in behind the maf you will get this code as well. just becasue it was "installed by a mechanic" don't mean they neverf mess up. these clamps need to be REALLY tight as this thing sucks some serious air.

 

Well, you can either put the stock intake back and hopefully it will clear the lean code, or get a dyno tune. Otherwise your car will run into the cat-protect mode which will make your car run crapy.