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New to the SS world, question about intake and check engine light
Hey guys, I have had a 2006 Cobalt LS for about two years..Moved to Vegas and needed a second car. Came across a 2009 Cobalt SS at a used dealership..I have loved these cars since day 1 and I could not pass it up. I took it for a test drive and everything seemed normal..The sound of the turbo (first turbo car I've owned) sounded amazing! So I drive it home and the check engine light comes on...take it back to the dealership and thankfully he has been amazing and working with me and the issue(s). He plugged the computer into it and it kicked out 3 cruise control errors. So their mechanic said its probably the cruise control sensor and they will fix it. They also said they took it to the Chevy dealership and they said that the previous owner installed the aftermarket intake on it and did not not tune it, so it is burning 2-3% richer which is causing the engine light to come on. The dealership said they will install the factory OEM intake and give me the aftermarket so I can install it at a later time.
I will be the first to admit I am not a car/mechanic guru so, I just pay the mechanics to fix whatever is the issue..So my question to you guys is, can this be true? Would installing an intake and not doing a tune cause the CEL to come on? If it is, can there be any damage done to drive it with it on if its running 2-3% richer? I will obviously get it tuned but wont be able to for a few weeks. Will it be okay to drive and not cause any damage. I got this car because its sexy as hell and sounds amazing!!! I'm not into hammering on the car to race or anything like that..Just want to make sure I am not going to cause more damage and safe while driving. I absolutely love this car and want to do everything possible to keep it running!
Im glad I came across this forum and can't wait to learn more from everyone!
The LNF will correct for adjusted fuel trims, it has a wideband. Just take it easy on going WOT all the time, I also recommend getting dual interceptors so you can easily monitor things as you drive.
The one major fault I see in all of this is their statement about the car being 2-3% richer and causing the CEL. That's a flight out lie. The car has to run + or - 15% to set a code.
Do not pay them for that crap is my vote. I have never ever heard of an intake causing cruise control issue.
My suggestion to everyone that buys these cars is to get an OBD2 scanner Bluetooth or WIFI.
You can check the codes yourself and you can watch how rich or lean the car is.
We need to know exactly what the codes are for starters before we can help. If needed, run to Autozone and have it scanned and write down the codes for us.
My first guess one of a couple things:
1. your cruise control button is stuck. Try spraying lube in there.
2. Your clutch position is bad (if the clutch is partially engaged your cruise doesn't work)
3. Are you riding the clutch? Like at all? Because that will affect clutch position.
4. You brake pedal is partially down. Reach down and pull your brake pedal as far up as possible.
5. Check your tail lights including reverse and the 3rd brake light. Lack of brake lights disables cruise.
Again, get your codes read, let us know what codes pop up and lets start there.
Do not pay the dealer for a new factory intake.
Hey guys..The way I wrote it, I may have been confusing. The cruise control issue is not causing the intake issue..The mechanic at the place I bought it from hooked it up to the computer and it kicked out some Cruise Control errors where the car thinks its on but it is not. He said he is going to fix this. He also said he took it to the Chevy dealership who then told them about the intake issue causing it run rich. I am actually going to run down to Autozone right now and get it read and I'll let you know the codes.
Fuel Trim system rich at cruise or accel
The ECM has detected a rich Air/Fuel Ratio Probable cause :
High Fuel Pressure
Leaking Fuel Injector or pressure regulator
Failed MAF sensor
the upper charge pipe is ment for the lhu in the regal, its bent to fit regal engine bay. the lnf one is just a 90 degree bend higher up. if it works, its fine
Nice catch. And since I was looking closer there, notice the injen hot side mounting bracket still in the intake?
Given the rich code I wonder if the previous owner traded it in while it was tuned for e47 or e85
You bring up a very good point. The LHU charge pipe makes me think the owner rushed to get the car put back together before selling.
You need to confirm exactly what is done to the car. Does it have the stock intercooler behind the bumper? What tune is on the car?
If it were me, I'd find someone with HPTuners in your area. Shouldn't be too hard. I 'd flash the car to GM Stage 1 or have the car logged and get a real tune for that intake.
Again, you need to start by finding out what you are dealing with.
And for the love of god don't beat on the car until you figure it out. If it's tuned for E47-E85 then you are risking blowing the ringlands runining that rich.
You bring up a very good point. The LHU charge pipe makes me think the owner rushed to get the car put back together before selling.
You need to confirm exactly what is done to the car. Does it have the stock intercooler behind the bumper? What tune is on the car?
If it were me, I'd find someone with HPTuners in your area. Shouldn't be too hard. I 'd flash the car to GM Stage 1 or have the car logged and get a real tune for that intake.
Again, you need to start by finding out what you are dealing with.
And for the love of god don't beat on the car until you figure it out. If it's tuned for E47-E85 then you are risking blowing the ringlands runining that rich.
This. If you have HPTuners shoot me a PM and I can get you straightened out.
Since the guy at autozone cleared the code, the engine light has not come back on.. I'm going to call some places now.
I know what we are saying sounds bad. But we have seen a lot of new owners not know where to start. We want you to succeed. Keep us updated and ask any questions.
Good catch guys I now see the 3 bar sensor, and I thought the charge pipe and couplers on that and the intake looked funny.
Op who is the "tuner" guy you are taking it to? If they aren't familiar with these motors they may not do you as much good as you would like.
Good catch guys I now see the 3 bar sensor, and I thought the charge pipe and couplers on that and the intake looked funny.
Op who is the "tuner" guy you are taking it to? If they aren't familiar with these motors they may not do you as much good as you would like.
This. As stated above, we just want to make sure your ride stays reliable and fun for as long as you keep the car. A lot of guys here with really good info, best do the same thing I try and soak in as much as you can.
I don't see anywhere they say anything about GM cars, just Nissan performance, which I don't know if any Nissans are DI which is completely different than port injection.
