ok. I've got some questions about the CEL for running rich. Here's what I'm working with: 2003 pro dx 5spd w/ebay SAI, 2 1/2" Magnaflow catback. 75000 miles.

Only after both were installed did I start getting the CEL (sorry I don't remember the exact code). The catback was installed by a professional and everybody marvels at the work he did, so it wasn't anything he did. When I first noticed the light I took it to a friend's shop and he cleared the code after reading it, but ever since, it comes on intermittently.

I have a couple dumb questions for ya: I've been informed that my Bosch plat. plugs don't work well for this car. Could they have anything to do with running rich? Maybe by not burning enough of the fuel which is what the O2 sensors are picking up? I bought the NGK plat. plugs to install this weekend to be on the safe side. Also, would the grade of fuel do anything? I use 89.

If the problem just comes with my couple mods, then I need to get an A/F controller of some type. Since Matty made it very clear that the S-AFC II doesn't work on our cars, then I'm lookin into the eManage basic. Being N/A (and I'll probably stay that way for awhile) I don't want to go overkill and buy a piggyback system it for around $500 w/harnesses and software for the laptop if it won't give me but a couple hp and that pretty little inspection sticker that I'm in need of soon. Here in Texas, the guys at the inspection shops can't just overlook your past CEL's stored in the ECU and pass you because it gets uploaded to the DPS computers right away.

Is there a cheaper alternative? I've heard that flashing the ECU with the new settings is a little bit of a guess, although cheaper. I have about $1k burnin a hole in my pocket to use on the car, but I need wheels/tires too. The point is that I can barely afford the eManage basic right now, but I don't want to buy something I don't really need.

I'd appreciate any help.

 

you REALLY need to post what the code is...you could have a lot of other problems. Post the code and we'll go from there.

I know of a few people using the e-manage on their MSP's...the wiring should be very similar. I'll see if I can get their wiring diagrams.

 

Thanks for lookin that up, Matty. I'll go get the code as soon as the CEL comes back on (which should be soon). If it doesn't come on tomorrow, I'll get my buddy to pull the history of CEL's.

 

that should always be the first thing you look at

 

Here is the code: P0172 (bank 1 running rich).

The shop owner told me when he gets that code (modded or not) on a car with more than 60k miles, he has replaced the MAF with great results. What do you think?

 

Just noticed a thread I missed on the same subject that was cured with cleaning the MAF thoroughly. Did we ever find out what to use to clean it with? Oh, yeah, and I'll be replacing my plugs this weekend so I'll make sure to label them for which cylinder they came from and take pics if they look anything but normal.

 

carb cleaner VERY CAREFULLY....don't let it overspray onto anything plastic that you dont want melted....use brake parts cleaner to be safe.

 

Thanks. I'll give it a shot with some brake parts cleaner and let ya'll know if it worked.

 

use electronics parts cleaner...safe for plastics

 

If you set the P0172 you may have already fouled the plugs. Did you do any other modifications to the car?

Here is the list of possible causes from the manual.

Misfire

HO2S (front) deterioration

HO2S heater (front) malfunction

PRC solenoid valve malfunction

Pressure regulator malfunction

Fuel pump malfunction

Fuel return hose clogged

Purge solenoid valve malfunction

Purge solenoid hoses improper connection

PCV valve malfunction

 

Thanks for the help guys. Problem fixed! It was a combination of two things, both having to do with the intake: 1. when my buddy and I installed the ebay sri, we must've had a few too many beers and installed the MAF facing the wrong way 2. we also couldn't find any instructions on where to install a small ring that fits the inside of the tube that looks like a reducer for airlfow, so it was installed in the wrong place which made it turn in the tube and block airflow.

Pretty dumb, huh? Maybe fewer beers next time. Oh, well, it gave me a good laugh when I saw that piece sitting sideways in the tube. I put the reducer just before the MAF this time. It just looked right. I sure hope that wasn't the wrong place again.

I took out the plugs and they surprizingly looked fine after 25k. The CEL didn't show up 'till a couple months ago. With the NGK plat. V installed and the intake finally installed right, the CEL turned off immediately and it runs like a different car. Now I just need to WOMP or something.