Mazda3 After Market Cold Air Intake.

ELDERBOWEN2004

MEMBER
MAZDA

I have an automatic 2004 Mazda3 2.3L Hatchback with 57000 miles on it. I took out the Air Filter system and added an aftermarket cold air intake. When I did that the check engine light came on and it would sputter and shut off. I don't think the PCM is picking up on the after market intake system. I took it in to the mazda dealership and they told me I need to put the stock air filter system back in because it won't read an after market part. I don't know if that's true because I've heard of lots of Mazda3 owners putting aftermarket intakes on their cars, and you can even buy cold air intakes made for the Mazda3. So, is there anyway I can get the PCM to read the intake or anything I can do so that the Cold Air intake will work? Am I doing something wrong?

Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 12:10 PM

4 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Be sure there arent any vacuum leaks between the MAF sensor and the throttle body. It will se an aftermarket part, you just are missing something.

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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 12:52 PM

COSMO

MECHANIC
347 POSTS

Did you by any chance have to make the harness longer to the MAF sensor? Also the MAF sensor has to be connected very well.

Cosmo

Mazda TEch

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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 4:31 PM

ELDERBOWEN2004

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No, I didn't have to extend the MAF sensor. I think I'm going to check if I tightened it enough. I'm pretty sure I hooked up everything really good. Oh, also. My car runs fine until it gets time to fill my car up with gas so I fill it up and right after I fill the car up with gas and try to turn it on at the gas station it starts to sputter again and then it dies. So, I have to turn on the car and pump the accelerator and then hurry and put it in drive. After the car is driving for about a minute then it's fine again. It's just weird that when I put a new full tank of gas in it sputters. Do you think it has anything to do with the air/fuel ratio? And, how could I fix that? Thanks! :)

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Saturday, September 29th, 2007 AT 2:51 AM

BRADCARR

MEMBER
1 POST

I did an aftermarket cold air intake and exhaust system to my 04 2.3 mazda 3 and had the same problem. The fix is taking your factory air box and cut the piece out that the factory mass air meter bolts to it is cone shaped and the mass air meter needs to see that diameter of tube to be able to function properly. Now the problem. The problem is that the engine is leaning out as a result of the mass air meter not seeing the right amount of air all you have to do is cut that 5 or 6 inch section of tube out of the stock air box attach it to what ever tube you want to use for your intake put a cone filter on the end and the check engine light will turn off and it will work beautifully. I know it frustrated the heck out of me for a month. Good luck

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Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 9:27 PM