Check Engine Light.

[The Great]

This morning, I go out and start my car as I normally would to warm it up. We just had snow the night before so when it warms up, it makes it easier for me to remove the snow. I noticed that my car was on but idling usually quietly. When I got inside, it wasn't warm at all but I proceeded to clean off the snow. Once I got on the road, I noticed the Check Engine light was on (not good) but I continued to work. Once I arrived, I made sure my gas cap was closed as tight as I could get it. After work, it did the same thing only the car cut off completely so I took it to Firestone. They told me that the MAF sensor was bad because it was contaminated with oil and that I get a new air filter since I have a JL intake. They quoted me a ridiculous price so I figured I'd run it pass you guys to see if there's anything I can do myself to save me some money. Thanks in advance.

[RF Overlord]

Clean the MAF with this (http://crcindustries.com/ei/product_detail.aspx?id=05110).

[The Great]

Thanks a lot. I didn't want to shell out $400 to replace something I can possibly fix myself.

[MustangMoser]

All your parts store will carry maf cleaner, but do you know what the codes were/are? I'd assume they saw P0171/174 codes. The only way to tell if the maf is actually dirty or bad is to use a scan tool that can datalog it so you can see its readings. They may just be guessing and if those codes are present its more likely a vacuum leak.

[fastblackmerc]

Have you cleaned and reoiled the JLT filter recently?

[The Great]

No and I think that's part of the problem.

[Blackened300a]

No and I think that's part of the problem.

Most people use too much oil on the filter when cleaning it and it will pull that oil onto the MAF which will result in what you have. I used electrical contact cleaner that you can buy in radio shack for like $6 and it works great.

Good thing you left out of there and asked for a second opinion.

[The Great]

The Check Engine light went out on its on but I'm still going to use it just to make sure.

[4drcbra]

clean MAF and make sure the air filter isn't over oiled. That will throw a code when the MAF gets all catty-wompesed. I changed over to dry filter systems for that very reason

[The Great]

What do you recommend to clean the air filter? I have the JLT cold air intake.

[jwibbity]

go on the jlt website and they have the s & b oiled filter cleaner kit, i would buy a second filter also unless you have time to wait for the oil to soak in.

here you go
http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=93_94&products_id=481

[ctrlraven]

You can use the SB filter cleaner OR the K&N filter cleaner that is sold at Advance/Auto Zone. CRC makes the QD Electronic Cleaner (like Blackened300a mentioned) which is usually a $1 or so cheaper than the MAF cleaner and it's the same stuff. I've been using it for the past 10 years and works great, it's sold at Advance/Auto Zone as well.

The best option for cleaning the filters is to have a spare filter, so when one gets dirty you throw on the clean one and that will give you plenty of time to clean the other and have it ready to go. JLT sells a replacement/additional filters http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=93_94&products_id=214 Air Filter Size: (4" x 9" - # SBAFR49 +$5.00) which will make the filter $50.00 shipped.

[whitey]

You can also use a little bit of dish detergent and water to clean it. Make sure you rinse it well with water from the inside out, dry it completely, and then oil it with k&n filter oil. I usually give the filter a day to soak up the oil, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Also, with cloth style filters, the dirtier they get, the better it will filter, however with the better filtration you get less airflow. I clean mine about every 10,000 miles.

[ctrlraven]

You can also use a little bit of dish detergent and water to clean it. Make sure you rinse it well with water from the inside out, dry it completely, and then oil it with k&n filter oil. I usually give the filter a day to soak up the oil, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Also, with cloth style filters, the dirtier they get, the better it will filter, however with the better filtration you get less airflow. I clean mine about every 10,000 miles.
I let mine dry for 1-2 days and then let the oil soak 1-2 days. Clean once a year or every 15k miles.

[fastblackmerc]

You can use the SB filter cleaner OR the K&N filter cleaner that is sold at Advance/Auto Zone. CRC makes the QD Electronic Cleaner (like Blackened300a mentioned) which is usually a $1 or so cheaper than the MAF cleaner and it's the same stuff. I've been using it for the past 10 years and works great, it's sold at Advance/Auto Zone as well.

The best option for cleaning the filters is to have a spare filter, so when one gets dirty you throw on the clean one and that will give you plenty of time to clean the other and have it ready to go. JLT sells a replacement/additional filters http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=93_94&products_id=214 Air Filter Size: (4" x 9" - # SBAFR49 +$5.00) which will make the filter $50.00 shipped.

I use Dawn dish soap to clean my K&N. Best soap for cleaning greasy oily stuff.

The spare filter is a good idea.....

[The Great]

I looked on JLT for replacement filters but wasn't sure what our size was so thanks. I'm going to order it ASAP and get it done just as quick. I have the CRC MAF cleaner that I brought from Advance Auto Parts. I just haven't used it yet.

[Mebot]

I picked up a replacement air filter from JLT when they had their Black Friday deal going on. The replacement air filter is S&B Power Stack Air Filter 4x9" R0233

[Mebot]

Item # SBAFR49 according to my invoice