Help. Replaced air filter, car won't start

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 07:28 AM

I have an 04 gto. Replaced stock air filter with K&N and now the car won't start. Any suggestions?

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 07:39 AM

Few things......
Did you put the MAF on backwards?
Did you reinstall the IAT and connectors properly and insure they seated?
Did you reconnect the negative battery post? ( I know just asking)...
I've seen a few folks put their MAF on backwards....
Is this a drop in or cone?

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 07:44 AM

I took the entire assembly off the throttlebody as one unit after unscrewing the top of the filter box. It is just a drop in filter, not a cone. I have since disconnected the battery and reconnected the battery. All electrical connections have been checked and are good. Perhaps a blown fuse? I'm really at a loss....

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 07:47 AM

Bear with me...
So you took out the entire factory airbox from the TB to the airbox itself...correct?
Did you disconnect the IAT sensors and MAF sensors?
Does the car crank and not fire?

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 07:49 AM

Yes. From TB to Airbox. I did not disconnect any sensors before disconnecting. It cranks but does not fire.

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 07:51 AM

One of your sensors is off....or pulled loose....

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 07:53 AM

If I have checked them all and they are solid, could there be something else I might be missing?

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 07:56 AM

Was this a oiled KN?

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 07:57 AM

yes. brand new out of the package.

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 08:00 AM

When you turn your key to "ON" and it runs diagnostics do you get any errors or codes?

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 08:02 AM

No errors. No codes. That's why I was thinking that I may have blown a fuse...

**Hurley711** · 12-11-2005, 08:04 AM

Back to you Sarge, solve this mess would ya

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 08:05 AM

Try two things.....check the MAF fuse in your fuse box in your engine bay....next pull the PCM fuse (red 15)....put the key in the ignition...turn it on....let it run through the diagnostics.....you'll get an error message to see the dealer...and your gas guage will go down to nothing.....turn the key off and remove it....put the fuse back in....try and start it....

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 08:06 AM

And I am struggling with how you got the assembly out of the car without removing the sensors????

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 08:10 AM

I was able to swivel the assembly out of the way enough to get the filter out and the new one in. Due to weather conditions (freezing) I wanted to get the swap done as quickly as possible. I'll try the fuse suggestion and let you know how it worked out. If I can't do this, I need to turn my "man card" back in....

billygoatmass · 12-11-2005, 10:02 AM

Turns out another part of the wiring harness had come loose. There was a connection tucked up behind the driver's side headlight that had worked loose. It looks like it there is supposed to be a retaining clip on it but it is missing so I wrapped the connection with electical tape to keep it together. Thanks for the help!

**Sarge** · 12-11-2005, 12:10 PM

Good....I knew something had to have come off....thank God for electrical tape and zip ties

billygoatmass · 12-12-2005, 03:12 AM

...and beer

**GatorSS** · 12-12-2005, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by billygoatmass

Turns out another part of the wiring harness had come loose. There was a connection tucked up behind the driver's side headlight that had worked loose. It looks like it there is supposed to be a retaining clip on it but it is missing so I wrapped the connection with electical tape to keep it together. Thanks for the help!

Glad you found the problem and fixed it...and you get to keep your "man card." Taking that assembly off as one unit likely caused it. IMHO, it's better to disassemble it in pieces, disconnecting the sensors as you do it. That way, you don't inadvertantly disconnect something else.