So a few weeks ago I bought a DC Sports CAI.

I had installed it, and before installing it took of the battery to make sure
the ECU resets. When I had first started the car after installing it, it was very rough.
And then after driving 25 minutes the car CEL comes on, and then the idle becomes
very rough dropping below 500.

Got it checked and it gave me the code saying that it is too lean and that
it is permanent.

I've done my research around. Tried cleaning my MAF sensor. Tightening all
the connectors. Even borrowing a friends MAF sensor.

I mean, previously i had a makeshift SRI, by taking off the stock airbox
and getting a simple pipe from autozone and threw a K&N filter and no problems what so ever.

I have also contacted DC Sports, and told them my issue.
They were helpful and nice with me, so I'm not grumpy about this.
They were interested in the issue and was trying to help and after everything
I told them they told me that it might be the weather.

So my last option is to wait for warmer weather to reinstall.
I feel that because it is still relatively cold in my area the dense
air is making the MAF read differently and throw a code.

So thats why I've come here, to ask you guys if there is anything else I can
do before contacting DC again and just returning it.

 

Same thing happens with my Takeda. Throws a random lean code after some heavy driving. Then it clears after a week or two. Hopefully the Unichip will solve this issue. Other than that you just gotta deal.

 

I had this same issue with my 09 when I first installed my CAI, I got a pocket scanner to check/clear the CEL's (Actron pocket scanner $70) I drove me nuts to see the CEL on, after a cpl weeks it stopped throwing them, it only does on rare occasions now, though it has since been tuned,in the year prior to that the ECU adjusted to it & CEL's stopped coming up for the CAI. if it drives you nuts pick up a scanner, or go into autozone or some place and borrow there scanner to clear it out. there is a list on here somewhere of all the codes too

 

CAI screw with the way the air channels through the MAF. Some intakes are better at this than others.

 

Yeah, a lot of people are having issues with CAI's with the tC2's. Very dissappointing.

 

Best bet is to stay with a short ram. I had an AEM installed, popped CEL's and it wouldn't hold a steady idle. I then got an Injen CAI, it didn't pop any CEL's but the car didn't want to hold a steady idle. Finally just made the Injen into a SR and idles perfect and have put close to 10k with this setup without issues.