Hey all, I had an eBay CAI put in on my '99 LX (had to get it done professionally because a metal bar and fluid container were blocking the fender hole), but I've been having problems since getting it installed.
First off, is the intake supposed to make a moaning, exhaust-like noise when going in higher RPMs? I was expecting more of an airy hiss noise, but I can only hear this when the hood is up and only right when I step on the gas. Instead, the intake seems to be making my exhaust louder or something, but the sound is coming from the hood. The sound isn't exactly pleasant, though.
Secondly, my engine check light came on for the first time last night and has been on since, except for a brief 30-minute period when it went off for some reason. I got it checked out this morning at the place that installed the CAI, and they said the engine code was indictating too lean of a mixture. In other words, they said it wasn't getting enough gas, causing the pistons to overheat and potentially fry them over time...? Is this true?
Third, last night, for the first time, my car would not start. The battery was fine, but I just kept getting a crackling noise as I tried to turn the key. I tried again 30 mins later, and the car started fine, and has been starting fine since, but this still bothers me. I got the intake checked out today, and the place that installed it said my car was backfiring a bit when starting, but they didn't know why.
Finally, it seems like my performance starting from 0 mph is actually slower than before. I don't have that kick that I had with my stock intake. It feels more like I am driving a truck or something now, especially with that loud, droning noise. I am assuming that this performance decrease may be due to the overly lean mixture that the engine is getting, though.
My main concern is the engine light being on and me continuing to damage my car as I drive it. I was told at the installer's shop that I may be able to get a performance chip that will run a richer mixture and basically repair things, but I have heard enough horror stories about those crap resistors, if that's what this "chip" is. I don't want to make things worse. I could put my stock intake back in myself, which is what I am leaning towards doing.
If you read all of this, I sincerely thank you. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks again.
First off, is the intake supposed to make a moaning, exhaust-like noise when going in higher RPMs? I was expecting more of an airy hiss noise, but I can only hear this when the hood is up and only right when I step on the gas. Instead, the intake seems to be making my exhaust louder or something, but the sound is coming from the hood. The sound isn't exactly pleasant, though.
Secondly, my engine check light came on for the first time last night and has been on since, except for a brief 30-minute period when it went off for some reason. I got it checked out this morning at the place that installed the CAI, and they said the engine code was indictating too lean of a mixture. In other words, they said it wasn't getting enough gas, causing the pistons to overheat and potentially fry them over time...? Is this true?
Third, last night, for the first time, my car would not start. The battery was fine, but I just kept getting a crackling noise as I tried to turn the key. I tried again 30 mins later, and the car started fine, and has been starting fine since, but this still bothers me. I got the intake checked out today, and the place that installed it said my car was backfiring a bit when starting, but they didn't know why.
Finally, it seems like my performance starting from 0 mph is actually slower than before. I don't have that kick that I had with my stock intake. It feels more like I am driving a truck or something now, especially with that loud, droning noise. I am assuming that this performance decrease may be due to the overly lean mixture that the engine is getting, though.
My main concern is the engine light being on and me continuing to damage my car as I drive it. I was told at the installer's shop that I may be able to get a performance chip that will run a richer mixture and basically repair things, but I have heard enough horror stories about those crap resistors, if that's what this "chip" is. I don't want to make things worse. I could put my stock intake back in myself, which is what I am leaning towards doing.
If you read all of this, I sincerely thank you. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks again.
