CEL and K&N Filter

My CEL light went on the other day. Took it to the dealer and was QUICKLY diagnosed as a MAF problem due to the K&N filter that I installed 5K miles ago. Short of a $600 MAF replacement, they cleared the fault and I replaced the filter back to the stock paper filter. After getting into the airbox, there definitely was a "greasy residue" throughout. They were doubtful that the CEL would'nt return, but so far it has stayed away. I know from reading that the the CAI's would trigger the CEL, but never really thought the K&N would. Not sure if anyone else has seen this with ONLY the filter, but they were 100% confident this was the cause. I am in agreement thus far since the light has not returned!!

You guys are hard headed. Why don't ya'll just wash the K&N then lightly re-oil it upon receipt of the product only after that should you install it.

Yup we saw this problem all the time at the P-car dealer I worked at. I not recommend using a K&N filter to anybody with a car that has a MAF. Just use the stock filter, clean the air box and the CEL shouldn't return Brandon J

Oh no.... I just ordered the K&N filter for my 996, should be here tomorrow. Is it safe to use the K&N filter if I wash & re-oil it before using it ?

Why would you still want to roll the dice? You have money to throw away on a new MAF?? K&N's 'boost' is almost all physiological any way - waste of money IMHO

With all respect, but then why is this not included in the K&N installation instructions ? Step 15 : wash and re-oil the coin filter Step 16 : if your MAF blows, please replace by an AEM dry filter. Myself and several others went through this hassle. Invest 300$ in the K&N piece of junk and then have to replace the MAF at another 300$. 600$ later I was back to stock. Filed a complaint with K&N but obviously they do NOT stand behind their product. They're just in for a quick buck. I'd secerely recommend all rennlist members to boycot this company.

Why not just install a filter that doesn't require oil?

I can't be sure, but it's very clear that there is too much oil on the K&N or it is some how getting wet.

What are the options?

Evo seems to have a better system from what I have read although the are $595, ouch.

bmc filters are an option

that just sucks...... why is there NOT a Class Action Lawsuit against these yahoo......

K&N CAI caused me a CEL and burned my MAF. But K&N was extremely professional when I called them for the problem. Not only did they pay for my new MAF, they also reimbursed the dealer check up. Now, I use the K&N intake kit with a BMC filter, and no problem since then! Yah, BMC filter is the way to go.

hmmmmmmmmmmm..... you're the only one with that experience unfortunately.....

Hi, are we referring to a complete K&N open pot system that causes the problem? How about stock air box with a K&N filter replacement, will that also cause problem to the MAF ? Would appreciate your advise !!

Link me.

Here's an idea: Let's pretend that you are an engineer at a car company. Your boss comes to you one morning. "Hans, you must take the engine and get 10 more horsepower from it." "But Frederick", you reply, "that engine design is over 50 years old! We have done all that vee can do! Vit is impossible!" "Dumpkoff! Get me ten, or you go work for VW! And it may not cost more than 100 euros per unit!" "OK, you **** bastard." So, do you: a) spend the next 6 months working with software engineers and machinists and metalurgists and squeeze another 10 horsepower out of the engine or b) get on the Internet and order a new, low restriction air filter Well, of course! You do b. You are a hero. Why didn't anyone think of this first? Come on folks, if the damn things worked, they would be OE on all high performance cars. You don't think that GM, Ford, BMW, Daimler-_____, Porsche, Toyota, Nissan, et. al. haven't tested these things? Would they be spending millions of dollars a year chasing horsepower and fuel economy if a simple filter would work better? I did talk with a Ford SVT guy once who said that they (Ford) did test the K&N filters (he was working on the lightning truck project, I believe) and it didn't do squat. Oh sure, K&N will tell you that they dyno test everything, but I just don't believe it. Gotta give them kudos though for good marketing. Michael

Thats all I did. The K&N in the stock airbox. 5k miles later it tripped the CEL!!!

The issue of a car manufacturer not using a cone type filter with a straight thru piping design is typically tied to lowering intake noise. Oh yeah, and easy with the **** stuff. A little bit of generalization there?

OH NO.... thanks for the info. I just received a new K&N filter today & thinking what should I do with it now !!!

How about, a little bit of humor there? Geez, lighten up!

yeah yeah

Humor? Good idea Sir with the hooded white robe! I guess every society has their black spots in history.

http://www.fabspeed.com/996_GT3.html SELLS BMC FILTERS

Just install it. If cel light comes on, pull the MAF and clean it with electric contact cleaner. let it dry NO compressed air Dealer BS strikes again IMO

50 years and still leaking oil? I think Porsche has a better marketing scheme than K&N.

You mean the K&N Panel filter?

These are oiled too, right?

I think the reason no major manufacturer would consider using a K&N type oiled filter is that it would require maintenance. Despite that, the independent evidence that a K&N filter gives you more horsepower is not there. And I've seen tests that convinced me that the K&N oiled filter actually filters less fine particulate matter than the stock filter.

For all you K@N lovers you might also want to try another AMAZING secret horsepower trick..................the legendary Tornado, this puppy should give you at least 10 bhp plus you will get better gas mileage.

I've seen a very long detail write up about how K&N panel filters and other foam and cotton types of filters allow more particals that OEM paper versions. This test I saw was on an 18 Wheel style truck though.