Mike85220

I would like to start up a thread on which brand intakes, cams and headers throw a CEL.

To make it easy, post the Company Name, Product, and whether it threw a CEL or not.

If there is a CEL thrown, give a small description of it's frequency and the fix for it if possible.

The main reason for this thread is because there have been many CELs on intakes for the Cobalt and there has been a buttload of cheap headers offered on E-bay of which I can only imagine the end result.

This will help people make an informed decision on buying and give them a heads up if there is a trick to getting the product to work correctly.

I know there is many seperate posts on this, but it would be nice to have it all listed in one post instead of people asking about each and every product.

Thank you!

XM15

Well, I've had a code thrown from my AEM cold air intake since I've gotten it a couple of years back. I don't think there are any leaks in the system. I guess the car can't handle all the air for some reason. IDK

tru2nrtt777

iTrader: (1)

Airbox mod, ss/sc header, 2.25 catback, no codes.

YzRider452

Aem cai. 2.4 mani, lsj dp and catback never a cel
Aem cai. 2.4 mani. zzp header/dp with highflow cat and corsa touring catback. Always cel.

Jrose

Injen CAI and SRI did not throw CEL...very nice product might I add

XTC 2.5" catless downpipe...CEL for obvious reasons, can be removed by eliminating the rear O2 threw a tune. Also wanted to add, w/o a tune I did not notice any difference in power, but I did get a more obnoxious exhaust note. : ( going to attempt to fix this with a weld in glasspack.

NWAE Cobalt

iTrader: (1)

ebay intake - threw code, reset battery, fixed
extended o2 sensors for header dp isntall - threw code, cleared and returns many times

Mike85220

The analysis:

I take it that the header upgrades like to throw codes for people.
Is there a header out there for a Cobalt that wont throw a code?

Down pipes are fine with a stock or ported manifold.

Catbacks are fine and wont throw CELs.

Also that the intake to get is from Injen, although the Ebay one is probably ok after a reset.
Anyone have their Injen throw a code?

originaladrian

LMAO

IBTL,

sorry, but i kinda find this thread ridiculous. mods tht throw codes? wht dont lol,

to the OP, just learn wht makes a code get thrown, like not having a cat and such

Hockeyman

iTrader: (4)

a header will rarely if ever throw a code, you will throw a code if you get a catless or high flow cat downpipe. You can fix that by spacing out the o2 sensor or deleting the code with hptuners.

scottyguy401

Yep, no CEL for injen cai/sri

srowler9

My CEL comes and goes..........It is an Injen. (**** it just went back on today)

Mike85220

I am seeing mixed results.

The thread "is" good.

I see a lot of input here that will help people with stock Cobalts make the right decisions.

My wife's Sunfire has a AEM CAI, catback exhaust, high flow cat and will soon have the cheap as heck 4:2:1 E-bay header and DP installed soon.

None of these mods so far ever threw a CEL.

I have seen many threads where people on the Cobalts throw CELs though.
I guess the computer is more of a PITA than on the older Ecotecs.
"That" is why I wanted this thread.
To find out what works and what does not.

chevysssc

iTrader: (2)

fujita f5 on stock ss/sc threw cell
zzp 3"dp thew 1 cell
v2 header throws cell

philupondes

what about the K&N intakes I'm looking at one of them now but not shur? anyone using that intake or know much about it?

Acey

iTrader: (3)

LOL at this thread.

yel-low

i have the ebay intake i bought off of a member from here and i have no cels also i have the gm performance exhaust cat back of course no cels

VRCobalt

k&n sri, ca v2 header & high flow cat dp, tsudo catback. Never threw a code

EvilMonkey

1) if your header/dp mod throws a code, then you need to put a spark plug non-fouler over your downstream O2 sensor, its probably reading to much flow.

2) the CEL for the intake mod is mostly cause by the extra vaccum in the pipe causing a small amount of oil to reach the MAF sensor. thats why it comes and goes. You could either install a breather for the valve cover, a oil catch can (there isnt enough room to really do this), you can buy MAF sensor cleaner (clean, install, repeat as needed) or buy a cheap OBD II reader that can clear the code when it pops up.

When I just had the SRI pipe from my injen kit installed I had the on/off CEL. When i put the cold air pipe on, it went away. So im guessing the short ram created more vaccum. I also think elevation can affect the vaccum too, might be why some people have the CEL and not others.

and P.s. Im going off of the vaccum theory and not pressure seeing as how this is in the 2.2l tech section...

scagnetti76

k&n sri-no cel here

pat_07ss

usually, a mod with higher gains will always throw a code

on my 2.4 SS, my Rebel intake threw code P0171 originially, and then the fuel trims adjusted and it went away.
Now that I added GMPP mani + LSJ downpipe + magnaflow catback, the flow increased so much that my fuel trims simply cannot compensate anymore, and my CEL is back on (comes off.. then comes back, etc.). I would need to update my Vector tune, but they don't have updates for exhausts.

For most good mods you need a tune in order to avoid CEL's

weiss27md

Injen CAI, DC header, Magnalow cat back, 2.4 IM.....NO CELs