Problems with K&N Aircharger

[ToeJam]

I purchased a K&N air charger about a month ago and immediately started having problems with the "Service Engine" light coming on. I disconnected the batter twice to reset it and it keeps coming back within three or four days.

Finally got it into the shop this week. When the dealership checked the computer, the error it was giving off stated the engine was getting too much air. From what the service guy said, the computer is dumping fuel into the chamber to try and keep the fuel to air mixture right. The end result was not all of the fuel was getting burned and some of it was escaping out the exhaust.

The aircharger also creates a horrible octane knock in the engine. Only solution was to start running super unleaded (great). This will solve the knock problem, but not the Service Engine light issue.

Finally, since the air charger is affecting the computer, I was informed it voids my warranty. So unfortunately, I'll be re-installing the stock airbox this weekend.

Has anyone else had this problem? I know Chuck has had problems with the octane knock, but I haven't heard of anyone having the reoccurring Service Engine light issue.

[xoc]

Fletch from HXOC is having a similar problem.

[Schludwiller]

Did you get your exhaust fixed?

[ToeJam]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
Did you get your exhaust fixed?

No, I'm still not convinced that is the "second" problem with my Service Engine light. This weekend is "remove air charger and seal the Calmini muffler". If I still have problems with the light, then I know it is also the muffler....

[Philosopher]

I just had a knock sensor replaced under warranty. The dealership told me that one of my cats is bad and that's why my SES light is still on. They want $450 for the cat and $300-400 labor to install it. And it's not covered by my extended warranty. I laughed at them and walked out. Whether it actually is the cat or not, I'll have to find out ...

[ToeJam]

Originally posted by Philosopher
I just had a knock sensor replaced under warranty. The dealership told me that one of my cats is bad and that's why my SES light is still on. They want $450 for the cat and $300-400 labor to install it. And it's not covered by my extended warranty. I laughed at them and walked out. Whether it actually is the cat or not, I'll have to find out ...

The service guy also told me that I have almost zero back pressure, which is also why my check engine light is on. I know my Calmini muffler is leaking, but it isn't that bad. Besides, the muffler is after the cats, so I'm thinking he's looking for work.

[aero_steve]

Originally posted by xoc
Fletch from HXOC is having a similar problem.

Fletch hasn't noticed any problems, so he's ignoring the check engine light for now. While at GOX we put Xterrian's OBDII Scanner on it and got the codes P0325 and P0505.

P0325 is the knock sensor. Fletch hasn't had knocking problems running low octane gas.

P0505 is the IACV-AAC idle speed control valve. The MAF sensor output is fed to this and may be throwing it off, but Fletch isn't noticing any idle speed problems.

[jihall2000]

Yes, I just bought a 2003 xterra SE/SC, and a new K&N filter for it. After about 100 miles, the service engine light came on, and I cannot get it go back out. I have put in the old filter, disconnected the battery, positive first, then tried the negative side, and still the light is on.

I called the K&N help desk, but they just told me to reset the computer and said they had not heard of this problem.

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by jihall2000

Yes, I just bought a 2003 xterra SE/SC, and a new K&N filter for it. After about 100 miles, the service engine light came on, and I cannot get it go back out. I have put in the old filter, disconnected the battery, positive first, then tried the negative side, and still the light is on.

I called the K&N help desk, but they just told me to reset the computer and said they had not heard of this problem.

Just a note this thread is about the AirCharger and not the K&N filter. Regarding your filiter if you overoiled it your MAF might have been fouled. Going back to the old filter would not clear the code as you still have a MAF problem. You might want to search about a fouled MAF. I'm not sure, but you might be able to clean it without replacing it which is expensive.

[evergreen]

take it to the dealer and have the maf replaced. since a k&n will not void the warranty the dealer will replace the sensor free of charge. like schlud said, don't use a ton of oil on the filter, a light coat is all thats needed.


on a side note. i am actually using toejams k&n fipk that he was having the trouble with. i installed it and a few days later the check engine light came on so i took it to the dealer. they told me the maf fouled out and they replaced it. i have not had a single problem since then and i am very pleased with the fipk. for some reason toejam just got a streak of bad luck. i highly recommend the fipk to anyone looking for a little extra hp.

[Ashepickle]

I have a 03 SE/SC with K & N aircharger, going on 2,000 miles on it no problems yet!! Whins more than my ex wife did !!!