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DANSLS1
03-17-2004, 12:26 PM
This was posted on another site. Just thought some of you might be interested:
http://www.ls1.com/forums/index.html

WARNING: All K&N And Other Rechargeable Air Filter users

The following is a memo from GM stating the use of rechargeable air filters may cause transmission shift problems, engine driveability problems & SES Light On problems (throwing codes). It also states these problems will NOT be covered under warranty. Yes, in part of the memo, it states "excessively oiled" filters. But for the most part, it reads any use of this type of filter & these issues won't be covered. I just figured some of you might want to know so you can throw a paper filter in if you take your car in for a problem.


SERVICE - ALL BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, GMC TRUCK, ISUZU, OLDSMOBILE, PONTIAC AND HUMMER DEALERS


Subject: A/T Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or SES Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter -- 2004 and Prior Cars and Lt Duty Trucks and 2003-2004 HUMMER H2
Message #: VSS20040056

Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-013 will be available in SI on March 18, 2004.

Automatic Transmission Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or Service Engine Soon (SES)
Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter

Models: 2004 and All Prior Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2003-2004 HUMMER H2

DO THIS
First, Inspect the vehicle for a reusable aftermarket excessively oiled air filter

DON'T DO THIS
DO NOT repair under warranty if concerns result from the use of a reusable aftermarket oiled air filter.

The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:

1. Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On

2. Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)

3. Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range

The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.

When servicing a vehicle with any of these concerns, be sure to check for the presence of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter. The MAF, GPS reading should be compared to a like vehicle with a OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions to verify the concern.

Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.




GTOdriver7
03-17-2004, 12:29 PM
hmm,
thats interesting. i have been using a K&N for years in my GPwithout a single problem. knock on wood

ColoradoGoat
03-17-2004, 02:20 PM
Great post rschumacherfan1. I had heard similar information before but had never seen any official word from GM. Thanks

Adam4356
03-17-2004, 03:51 PM
I've had K&N for years as well with no problems. I have never oiled it however and it doesn't need to be overly cleaned. No SES light either, go figure :)

JimHoward
03-17-2004, 05:58 PM
That is definitely a problem with those filters. You can also have problems with a carburetor if you over oil the filter.

Should not be a problem if you do not over oil the filter, but it can definitely wreak havoc on a MAF if you do over oil.

mistermike
03-17-2004, 06:30 PM
A lot of people over-clean their cotton filters. They don't reach maximum filtration efficiency until there's some dirt lodged in there. Even dirty, they flow pretty well. I've got a Cool Blue in my Goat, and I'll probably have some sort of CAI or cowl induction before I feel the need to clean it.

Shocker
03-17-2004, 08:25 PM
i bought a k&n i plan to put it in if i have a problem i'll put the paper one back in!! but all of my friends my brother all have K&n and ever seen a problem. Whats everyone think? who has one?

JimHoward
03-18-2004, 03:54 AM
i bought a k&n i plan to put it in if i have a problem i'll put the paper one back in!! but all of my friends my brother all have K&n and ever seen a problem. Whats everyone think? who has one?

I use K & N on all of my vehicles too and have never seen a problem. However, that does not mean that you can't improperly over oil the filter after cleaning it and cause a problem. I believe that there are also warnings about that on the box.

ken191
07-14-2005, 04:52 PM
I have used K&N filters in my 1999 300M for seven years and I have never had a problem. When I bought my 2004 GTO I went with LS!Tech's cold induction system because the K&N unit was not street legal in PA. It was easy to install and I have had no problems with it.

TheRealDeadApe
07-14-2005, 05:07 PM
Does anyone read? It says "EXCESSIVELY OILED". A K&N isn't the problem its the idiot that soaks it when he cleans it. When you clean one you should spray it lightly till it appears wet, then let it sit for like 15-20 min and come back and spray a little more if there are dry spots. your filter should never drip oil, with the exception of overspray on the rubber parts (wipe it off). If it does drip some oil leave it sit overnight to drain before installing it. Lastly if you do have problems your maf can be cleaned with NON-CHLORINATED brake-kleen (green can). Spray it at the sensor from 12-18 inches away and don't just blast it, spray it lightly and let it drip then repeat in a min or so. Your maf is a very sentitive device treat it with care.

PHiL2
07-14-2005, 05:15 PM
Damn...Im puttin the whole car back to stock now! :rolleyes:

stl_ls1gto
07-14-2005, 06:22 PM
the K&N is not street legal in any state by the way

silverbugeye
07-14-2005, 06:23 PM
I clean mine with 5W30 :mullet:

whiteboyslo
07-14-2005, 06:57 PM
the K&N is not street legal in any state by the way


uhm,no. not only are K&N replacement filters legal, but nearly all of their intakes are as well. ask any CA resident and they'll tell you that's not easy since CA requires CARB approval for intakes to be legal.

anyway, i wouldn't be worried about this. you just have to be smart about how much oil you add when you clean. a lot of guys w/ K&Ns get into trouble bc they think they're supposed to add enough oil so that the filter is the same color as what it was brand new. kinda dumb, but an honest mistake. truth is that once a K&N is cleaned, it loses some of the dye. it's not meant to be that red again. just a little pink at most

Mike

Flashpoint
07-15-2005, 12:27 AM
the K&N is not street legal in any state by the way


This is not true anymore, The K&N CAI was "off-road only" (yeah right) when first brought out because it didn't get through the CARB process yet and didn't have the CA legal sticker yet. This was last year. Last summer or fall that was changed and now they are CARB aproved and are "street legal" With NO cange to the design at all.

If you bought early and need/want that sticker you have to contact K&N and they will mail you one.