Engine Idle Issues After Intake install.

[phoenixrage]

So, when I first got my car, it had idling issues where when stopped, it would sometimes almost stall, but catch itself. I solved that with a bottle of fuel system cleaner.

Now, I installed a short ram intake, and Its having a similar issue while idling, but not as often as before. I did an oil change at the same time as installing the air filter.

my car is an 05 2.3L Hatchback, manual. just hit 50k on it.

So, could it be the fuel system again? or something else?

[Thrizzl3]

maybe the engine isn't used to having so much air sucked into the system with the intake so it has find a proper air/fuel mix to continue normal idle. Just unplug the battery for about 30 mins then plug it back in so the ECU can correct the mistake i guess

[wikdslo]

maybe the engine isn't used to having so much air sucked into the system with the intake so it has find a proper air/fuel mix to continue normal idle. Just unplug the battery for about 30 mins then plug it back in so the ECU can correct the mistake i guess

I also remember reading a post where someone stated that after installing a CAI, the car was lacking power, and fuel economy wasn't so good, etc.

They took it to a dealership, where the tech asked if the guy had ever brought it up to redline a couple of times, and proceeded to do a few pulls from low rpm's all the way up.

Along with what phil05gx said, the ecu needs to "relearn" how to mix fuel/air according to the changes from the CAI and the driving habits.

Resetting the ECU will allow it to start over from scratch.

[Dragazn]

It is also possible that the MAF sensor could be malfunctioning. After I installed my intake there wasnt enough slack on the MAF sensor wires which inturn made my car stall around idle on an auto. Check your MAF sensor to make sure there is not too much tension on the wires.

[Donutz]

Almost certain it isn't your fuel system. As posted above it's most likely your ecu or maf harness.

When your car is at idle, try to gentley move the wires where they enter the maf. If your revs drop it's likely a loose connection / torn wire. If there's no change it's your ecu. It will relearn eventually.

Try getting on the highway a couple of times. Wind it out to the top of 2nd (and 3rd) if you can.

[phoenixrage]

well, im sure the ECU has learned by now, since at first i did lose some mileage/tank of gas for the first 2 tanks, and now i'm getting a lot better mileage too.

pre-intake i was getting about 450-460/45L, first 2 tanks of gas 400-420/45L, and now, 460-490/45L.

i'll check the MAF sensor's wiring when I get home.